used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
a proposal for an appropriate course of action
From this reading By his advice, they had quitted the train one station beyond Karkby, and gone the rest of the way on foot, through the wood.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading They crossed the southern boundary as an invading army crosses the border of a hostile country: by forced marches, and with intense caution.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading By his advice, they had quitted the train one station beyond Karkby, and gone the rest of the way on foot, through the wood.
a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state
From this reading They crossed the southern boundary as an invading army crosses the border of a hostile country: by forced marches, and with intense caution.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
asksverbUS /æsks/
third-person singular of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading As soon as they reached the top of the hill, they could see at some distance through the trees, the massive roof of copper which was their goal.
a particular environment or surrounding influence
From this reading The sun shone brightly in the still atmosphere; no smoke issued as yet from the chimneys of the great house; the unploughed field in front of it lay bare and desolate.
completely unclothed
From this reading The sun shone brightly in the still atmosphere; no smoke issued as yet from the chimneys of the great house; the unploughed field in front of it lay bare and desolate.
third-person singular of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading By his advice, they had quitted the train one station beyond Karkby, and gone the rest of the way on foot, through the wood.
bordernounUS /ˈbɔːrdər/
a line that indicates a boundary
From this reading They crossed the southern boundary as an invading army crosses the border of a hostile country: by forced marches, and with intense caution.
boundarynounUS /ˈbaʊn.də.ri/
A line that marks the limits of an area.
From this reading They crossed the southern boundary as an invading army crosses the border of a hostile country: by forced marches, and with intense caution.
brightlyadverbUS /ˈbraɪtli/
with brightness
From this reading The sun shone brightly in the still atmosphere; no smoke issued as yet from the chimneys of the great house; the unploughed field in front of it lay bare and desolate.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
an occurrence of something
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
cautionnounUS /ˈkɑːʃən/
the trait of being cautious; being attentive to possible danger
From this reading They crossed the southern boundary as an invading army crosses the border of a hostile country: by forced marches, and with intense caution.
chimneysnounUS /ˈtʃɪmniz/
plural of “chimney” — a vertical flue that provides a path through which smoke from a fire is carried away through the wall or roof of a building
From this reading The sun shone brightly in the still atmosphere; no smoke issued as yet from the chimneys of the great house; the unploughed field in front of it lay bare and desolate.
CoppernounUS /ˈkɑːpər/
a ductile malleable reddish-brown corrosion-resistant diamagnetic metallic element; occurs in various minerals but is the only metal that occurs abundantly in large masses; used as an electrical and thermal conductor
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading As soon as they reached the top of the hill, they could see at some distance through the trees, the massive roof of copper which was their goal.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading They crossed the southern boundary as an invading army crosses the border of a hostile country: by forced marches, and with intense caution.
placed crosswise
From this reading They crossed the southern boundary as an invading army crosses the border of a hostile country: by forced marches, and with intense caution.
crossesnounUS /ˈkrɔːsɪz/
plural of “cross” — a wooden structure consisting of an upright post with a transverse piece
From this reading They crossed the southern boundary as an invading army crosses the border of a hostile country: by forced marches, and with intense caution.
the time after sunrise and before sunset while it is light outside
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
desolateadjectiveUS /ˈdesələt/
providing no shelter or sustenance
From this reading The sun shone brightly in the still atmosphere; no smoke issued as yet from the chimneys of the great house; the unploughed field in front of it lay bare and desolate.
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading As soon as they reached the top of the hill, they could see at some distance through the trees, the massive roof of copper which was their goal.
to come or go into
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
excitingadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsaɪtɪŋ/
creating or arousing excitement
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
communicated in words
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed
From this reading The sun shone brightly in the still atmosphere; no smoke issued as yet from the chimneys of the great house; the unploughed field in front of it lay bare and desolate.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading By his advice, they had quitted the train one station beyond Karkby, and gone the rest of the way on foot, through the wood.
produced by or subjected to forcing
From this reading They crossed the southern boundary as an invading army crosses the border of a hostile country: by forced marches, and with intense caution.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The sun shone brightly in the still atmosphere; no smoke issued as yet from the chimneys of the great house; the unploughed field in front of it lay bare and desolate.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading The sun shone brightly in the still atmosphere; no smoke issued as yet from the chimneys of the great house; the unploughed field in front of it lay bare and desolate.
goalnounUS /ɡoʊl/
the state of affairs that a plan is intended to achieve and that (when achieved) terminates behavior intended to achieve it
From this reading As soon as they reached the top of the hill, they could see at some distance through the trees, the massive roof of copper which was their goal.
destroyed or killed
From this reading By his advice, they had quitted the train one station beyond Karkby, and gone the rest of the way on foot, through the wood.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading The sun shone brightly in the still atmosphere; no smoke issued as yet from the chimneys of the great house; the unploughed field in front of it lay bare and desolate.
guardedadjectiveUS /ˈɡɑːrdəd/
prudent
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading By his advice, they had quitted the train one station beyond Karkby, and gone the rest of the way on foot, through the wood.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading As soon as they reached the top of the hill, they could see at some distance through the trees, the massive roof of copper which was their goal.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading By his advice, they had quitted the train one station beyond Karkby, and gone the rest of the way on foot, through the wood.
hostileadjectiveUS /ˈhɑːstəl/
characterized by enmity or ill will
From this reading They crossed the southern boundary as an invading army crosses the border of a hostile country: by forced marches, and with intense caution.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The sun shone brightly in the still atmosphere; no smoke issued as yet from the chimneys of the great house; the unploughed field in front of it lay bare and desolate.
infiniteadjectiveUS /ˈɪnfənət/
having no limits or boundaries in time or space or extent or magnitude
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
possessing or displaying a distinctive feature to a heightened degree
From this reading They crossed the southern boundary as an invading army crosses the border of a hostile country: by forced marches, and with intense caution.
invadingadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈveɪdɪŋ/
involving invasion or aggressive attack
From this reading They crossed the southern boundary as an invading army crosses the border of a hostile country: by forced marches, and with intense caution.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
issuedverbUS /ˈɪʃuːd/
past form of “issue” — prepare and issue for public distribution or sale
From this reading The sun shone brightly in the still atmosphere; no smoke issued as yet from the chimneys of the great house; the unploughed field in front of it lay bare and desolate.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
Ivanovna
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
Karkby
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By his advice, they had quitted the train one station beyond Karkby, and gone the rest of the way on foot, through the wood.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading The sun shone brightly in the still atmosphere; no smoke issued as yet from the chimneys of the great house; the unploughed field in front of it lay bare and desolate.
Lona
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
marchesnounUS /ˈmɑːrtʃɪz/
a region in central Italy
From this reading They crossed the southern boundary as an invading army crosses the border of a hostile country: by forced marches, and with intense caution.
massiveadjectiveUS /ˈmæsɪv/
imposing in size or bulk or solidity
From this reading As soon as they reached the top of the hill, they could see at some distance through the trees, the massive roof of copper which was their goal.
not any; not one
From this reading The sun shone brightly in the still atmosphere; no smoke issued as yet from the chimneys of the great house; the unploughed field in front of it lay bare and desolate.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading By his advice, they had quitted the train one station beyond Karkby, and gone the rest of the way on foot, through the wood.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading By his advice, they had quitted the train one station beyond Karkby, and gone the rest of the way on foot, through the wood.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading By his advice, they had quitted the train one station beyond Karkby, and gone the rest of the way on foot, through the wood.
pleasantlyadverbUS /ˈplezəntli/
in a cheerful manner
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
precautionnounUS /priˈkɔːʃən/
a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
quitted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By his advice, they had quitted the train one station beyond Karkby, and gone the rest of the way on foot, through the wood.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading As soon as they reached the top of the hill, they could see at some distance through the trees, the massive roof of copper which was their goal.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading By his advice, they had quitted the train one station beyond Karkby, and gone the rest of the way on foot, through the wood.
a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building
From this reading As soon as they reached the top of the hill, they could see at some distance through the trees, the massive roof of copper which was their goal.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading As soon as they reached the top of the hill, they could see at some distance through the trees, the massive roof of copper which was their goal.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light
From this reading The sun shone brightly in the still atmosphere; no smoke issued as yet from the chimneys of the great house; the unploughed field in front of it lay bare and desolate.
a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas
From this reading The sun shone brightly in the still atmosphere; no smoke issued as yet from the chimneys of the great house; the unploughed field in front of it lay bare and desolate.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading As soon as they reached the top of the hill, they could see at some distance through the trees, the massive roof of copper which was their goal.
in the near future
From this reading As soon as they reached the top of the hill, they could see at some distance through the trees, the massive roof of copper which was their goal.
in or characteristic of a region of the United States south of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading They crossed the southern boundary as an invading army crosses the border of a hostile country: by forced marches, and with intense caution.
a facility equipped with special equipment and personnel for a particular purpose
From this reading By his advice, they had quitted the train one station beyond Karkby, and gone the rest of the way on foot, through the wood.
not in physical motion
From this reading The sun shone brightly in the still atmosphere; no smoke issued as yet from the chimneys of the great house; the unploughed field in front of it lay bare and desolate.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading The sun shone brightly in the still atmosphere; no smoke issued as yet from the chimneys of the great house; the unploughed field in front of it lay bare and desolate.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading As soon as they reached the top of the hill, they could see at some distance through the trees, the massive roof of copper which was their goal.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading By his advice, they had quitted the train one station beyond Karkby, and gone the rest of the way on foot, through the wood.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading By his advice, they had quitted the train one station beyond Karkby, and gone the rest of the way on foot, through the wood.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
the upper part of anything
From this reading As soon as they reached the top of the hill, they could see at some distance through the trees, the massive roof of copper which was their goal.
create by training and teaching
From this reading By his advice, they had quitted the train one station beyond Karkby, and gone the rest of the way on foot, through the wood.
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 As soon as they reached the top of the hill, they could see at some distance through the trees, the massive roof of copper which was their goal.
unploughedadjective
(of farmland) not plowed
From this reading The sun shone brightly in the still atmosphere; no smoke issued as yet from the chimneys of the great house; the unploughed field in front of it lay bare and desolate.
Wallion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading By his advice, they had quitted the train one station beyond Karkby, and gone the rest of the way on foot, through the wood.
at the time that
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading As soon as they reached the top of the hill, they could see at some distance through the trees, the massive roof of copper which was their goal.
in the company of; together with
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading _Lona Ivanovna asks her first question_ When a house is guarded with such infinite precaution as was the case with the Copper House, it becomes, as Wallion expressed it, "a pleasantly exciting adventure" to enter it by broad daylight, without being seen.
the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees
From this reading By his advice, they had quitted the train one station beyond Karkby, and gone the rest of the way on foot, through the wood.
but in spite of that
From this reading The sun shone brightly in the still atmosphere; no smoke issued as yet from the chimneys of the great house; the unploughed field in front of it lay bare and desolate.
