Chapter XXIII · Chapter 23

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading SWIFTWING, THE HUMMINGBIRD The orchestra burst into a low hum of sweet sounds.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Agnes had heard them tuning up under the stage for some time; but back in the little hall where the amateur performers were gathered in readiness for their cues, she had not realized that the orchestra members had taken their places.

someone who pursues a study or sport as a pastime

From this reading Agnes had heard them tuning up under the stage for some time; but back in the little hall where the amateur performers were gathered in readiness for their cues, she had not realized that the orchestra members had taken their places.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading The overture swelled into the grand march, and then went on, giving a taste of the marches, dances, and singing numbers, finally with a crash of sound, announcing the moment when the curtain, at the real performance, would go up.

-ing form of “announce” — make known; make an announcement

From this reading The overture swelled into the grand march, and then went on, giving a taste of the marches, dances, and singing numbers, finally with a crash of sound, announcing the moment when the curtain, at the real performance, would go up.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The overture swelled into the grand march, and then went on, giving a taste of the marches, dances, and singing numbers, finally with a crash of sound, announcing the moment when the curtain, at the real performance, would go up.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Agnes had heard them tuning up under the stage for some time; but back in the little hall where the amateur performers were gathered in readiness for their cues, she had not realized that the orchestra members had taken their places.

gymnastic apparatus consisting of two parallel wooden rods supported on uprights

From this reading Having watched the rehearsals so closely since they began, she could now imagine the tall director with his baton, beating time for the opening bars.

a thin tapered rod used by a conductor to lead an orchestra or choir

From this reading Having watched the rehearsals so closely since they began, she could now imagine the tall director with his baton, beating time for the opening bars.

the act of overcoming or outdoing

From this reading Having watched the rehearsals so closely since they began, she could now imagine the tall director with his baton, beating time for the opening bars.

-ing form of “beckon” — signal with the hands or nod

From this reading "Now!" hissed the stage manager, beckoning on the first chorus.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Having watched the rehearsals so closely since they began, she could now imagine the tall director with his baton, beating time for the opening bars.

come open suddenly and violently, as if from internal pressure

From this reading SWIFTWING, THE HUMMINGBIRD The orchestra burst into a low hum of sweet sounds.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Agnes had heard them tuning up under the stage for some time; but back in the little hall where the amateur performers were gathered in readiness for their cues, she had not realized that the orchestra members had taken their places.

any utterance produced simultaneously by a group

From this reading "Now!" hissed the stage manager, beckoning on the first chorus.

in a close relation or position in time or space

From this reading Having watched the rehearsals so closely since they began, she could now imagine the tall director with his baton, beating time for the opening bars.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Having watched the rehearsals so closely since they began, she could now imagine the tall director with his baton, beating time for the opening bars.

fall or come down violently

From this reading The overture swelled into the grand march, and then went on, giving a taste of the marches, dances, and singing numbers, finally with a crash of sound, announcing the moment when the curtain, at the real performance, would go up.

plural of “cue” — an actor's line that immediately precedes and serves as a reminder for some action or speech

From this reading Agnes had heard them tuning up under the stage for some time; but back in the little hall where the amateur performers were gathered in readiness for their cues, she had not realized that the orchestra members had taken their places.

hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

From this reading The overture swelled into the grand march, and then went on, giving a taste of the marches, dances, and singing numbers, finally with a crash of sound, announcing the moment when the curtain, at the real performance, would go up.

plural of “dance” — an artistic form of nonverbal communication

From this reading The overture swelled into the grand march, and then went on, giving a taste of the marches, dances, and singing numbers, finally with a crash of sound, announcing the moment when the curtain, at the real performance, would go up.

someone who controls resources and expenditures

From this reading Having watched the rehearsals so closely since they began, she could now imagine the tall director with his baton, beating time for the opening bars.

after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay

From this reading The overture swelled into the grand march, and then went on, giving a taste of the marches, dances, and singing numbers, finally with a crash of sound, announcing the moment when the curtain, at the real performance, would go up.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading "Now!" hissed the stage manager, beckoning on the first chorus.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Agnes had heard them tuning up under the stage for some time; but back in the little hall where the amateur performers were gathered in readiness for their cues, she had not realized that the orchestra members had taken their places.

brought together in one place

From this reading Agnes had heard them tuning up under the stage for some time; but back in the little hall where the amateur performers were gathered in readiness for their cues, she had not realized that the orchestra members had taken their places.

the act of giving

From this reading The overture swelled into the grand march, and then went on, giving a taste of the marches, dances, and singing numbers, finally with a crash of sound, announcing the moment when the curtain, at the real performance, would go up.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading The overture swelled into the grand march, and then went on, giving a taste of the marches, dances, and singing numbers, finally with a crash of sound, announcing the moment when the curtain, at the real performance, would go up.

of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope

From this reading The overture swelled into the grand march, and then went on, giving a taste of the marches, dances, and singing numbers, finally with a crash of sound, announcing the moment when the curtain, at the real performance, would go up.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Agnes had heard them tuning up under the stage for some time; but back in the little hall where the amateur performers were gathered in readiness for their cues, she had not realized that the orchestra members had taken their places.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading Agnes had heard them tuning up under the stage for some time; but back in the little hall where the amateur performers were gathered in readiness for their cues, she had not realized that the orchestra members had taken their places.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Having watched the rehearsals so closely since they began, she could now imagine the tall director with his baton, beating time for the opening bars.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Agnes had heard them tuning up under the stage for some time; but back in the little hall where the amateur performers were gathered in readiness for their cues, she had not realized that the orchestra members had taken their places.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Having watched the rehearsals so closely since they began, she could now imagine the tall director with his baton, beating time for the opening bars.

past form of “hiss” — make a sharp hissing sound, as if to show disapproval

From this reading "Now!" hissed the stage manager, beckoning on the first chorus.

sing with closed lips

From this reading SWIFTWING, THE HUMMINGBIRD The orchestra burst into a low hum of sweet sounds.

tiny American bird having brilliant iridescent plumage and long slender bills; wings are specialized for vibrating flight

From this reading SWIFTWING, THE HUMMINGBIRD The orchestra burst into a low hum of sweet sounds.

form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case

From this reading Having watched the rehearsals so closely since they began, she could now imagine the tall director with his baton, beating time for the opening bars.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Agnes had heard them tuning up under the stage for some time; but back in the little hall where the amateur performers were gathered in readiness for their cues, she had not realized that the orchestra members had taken their places.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading SWIFTWING, THE HUMMINGBIRD The orchestra burst into a low hum of sweet sounds.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Agnes had heard them tuning up under the stage for some time; but back in the little hall where the amateur performers were gathered in readiness for their cues, she had not realized that the orchestra members had taken their places.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading SWIFTWING, THE HUMMINGBIRD The orchestra burst into a low hum of sweet sounds.

someone who controls resources and expenditures

From this reading "Now!" hissed the stage manager, beckoning on the first chorus.

march in a procession

From this reading The overture swelled into the grand march, and then went on, giving a taste of the marches, dances, and singing numbers, finally with a crash of sound, announcing the moment when the curtain, at the real performance, would go up.

a region in central Italy

From this reading The overture swelled into the grand march, and then went on, giving a taste of the marches, dances, and singing numbers, finally with a crash of sound, announcing the moment when the curtain, at the real performance, would go up.

plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

From this reading Agnes had heard them tuning up under the stage for some time; but back in the little hall where the amateur performers were gathered in readiness for their cues, she had not realized that the orchestra members had taken their places.

a particular point in time

From this reading The overture swelled into the grand march, and then went on, giving a taste of the marches, dances, and singing numbers, finally with a crash of sound, announcing the moment when the curtain, at the real performance, would go up.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Agnes had heard them tuning up under the stage for some time; but back in the little hall where the amateur performers were gathered in readiness for their cues, she had not realized that the orchestra members had taken their places.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Having watched the rehearsals so closely since they began, she could now imagine the tall director with his baton, beating time for the opening bars.

the fourth book of the Old Testament; contains a record of the number of Israelites who followed Moses out of Egypt

From this reading The overture swelled into the grand march, and then went on, giving a taste of the marches, dances, and singing numbers, finally with a crash of sound, announcing the moment when the curtain, at the real performance, would go up.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading SWIFTWING, THE HUMMINGBIRD The orchestra burst into a low hum of sweet sounds.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The overture swelled into the grand march, and then went on, giving a taste of the marches, dances, and singing numbers, finally with a crash of sound, announcing the moment when the curtain, at the real performance, would go up.

an open or empty space in or between things

From this reading Having watched the rehearsals so closely since they began, she could now imagine the tall director with his baton, beating time for the opening bars.

a musical organization consisting of a group of instrumentalists including string players

From this reading SWIFTWING, THE HUMMINGBIRD The orchestra burst into a low hum of sweet sounds.

orchestral music played at the beginning of an opera or oratorio

From this reading The overture swelled into the grand march, and then went on, giving a taste of the marches, dances, and singing numbers, finally with a crash of sound, announcing the moment when the curtain, at the real performance, would go up.

a dramatic or musical entertainment

From this reading The overture swelled into the grand march, and then went on, giving a taste of the marches, dances, and singing numbers, finally with a crash of sound, announcing the moment when the curtain, at the real performance, would go up.

plural of “performer” — an entertainer who performs a dramatic or musical work for an audience

From this reading Agnes had heard them tuning up under the stage for some time; but back in the little hall where the amateur performers were gathered in readiness for their cues, she had not realized that the orchestra members had taken their places.

plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Agnes had heard them tuning up under the stage for some time; but back in the little hall where the amateur performers were gathered in readiness for their cues, she had not realized that the orchestra members had taken their places.

the state of having been made ready or prepared for use or action (especially military action)

From this reading Agnes had heard them tuning up under the stage for some time; but back in the little hall where the amateur performers were gathered in readiness for their cues, she had not realized that the orchestra members had taken their places.

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading The overture swelled into the grand march, and then went on, giving a taste of the marches, dances, and singing numbers, finally with a crash of sound, announcing the moment when the curtain, at the real performance, would go up.

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading Agnes had heard them tuning up under the stage for some time; but back in the little hall where the amateur performers were gathered in readiness for their cues, she had not realized that the orchestra members had taken their places.

plural of “rehearsal” — a practice session in preparation for a public performance (as of a play or speech or concert)

From this reading Having watched the rehearsals so closely since they began, she could now imagine the tall director with his baton, beating time for the opening bars.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Agnes had heard them tuning up under the stage for some time; but back in the little hall where the amateur performers were gathered in readiness for their cues, she had not realized that the orchestra members had taken their places.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Having watched the rehearsals so closely since they began, she could now imagine the tall director with his baton, beating time for the opening bars.

the act of singing vocal music

From this reading The overture swelled into the grand march, and then went on, giving a taste of the marches, dances, and singing numbers, finally with a crash of sound, announcing the moment when the curtain, at the real performance, would go up.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Having watched the rehearsals so closely since they began, she could now imagine the tall director with his baton, beating time for the opening bars.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Agnes had heard them tuning up under the stage for some time; but back in the little hall where the amateur performers were gathered in readiness for their cues, she had not realized that the orchestra members had taken their places.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading The overture swelled into the grand march, and then went on, giving a taste of the marches, dances, and singing numbers, finally with a crash of sound, announcing the moment when the curtain, at the real performance, would go up.

plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading SWIFTWING, THE HUMMINGBIRD The orchestra burst into a low hum of sweet sounds.

any distinct time period in a sequence of events

From this reading Agnes had heard them tuning up under the stage for some time; but back in the little hall where the amateur performers were gathered in readiness for their cues, she had not realized that the orchestra members had taken their places.

having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading SWIFTWING, THE HUMMINGBIRD The orchestra burst into a low hum of sweet sounds.

feeling self-importance

From this reading The overture swelled into the grand march, and then went on, giving a taste of the marches, dances, and singing numbers, finally with a crash of sound, announcing the moment when the curtain, at the real performance, would go up.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading SWIFTWING, THE HUMMINGBIRD The orchestra burst into a low hum of sweet sounds.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading Agnes had heard them tuning up under the stage for some time; but back in the little hall where the amateur performers were gathered in readiness for their cues, she had not realized that the orchestra members had taken their places.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading Having watched the rehearsals so closely since they began, she could now imagine the tall director with his baton, beating time for the opening bars.

To perceive flavor through the mouth.

From this reading The overture swelled into the grand march, and then went on, giving a taste of the marches, dances, and singing numbers, finally with a crash of sound, announcing the moment when the curtain, at the real performance, would go up.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Agnes had heard them tuning up under the stage for some time; but back in the little hall where the amateur performers were gathered in readiness for their cues, she had not realized that the orchestra members had taken their places.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading SWIFTWING, THE HUMMINGBIRD The orchestra burst into a low hum of sweet sounds.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Agnes had heard them tuning up under the stage for some time; but back in the little hall where the amateur performers were gathered in readiness for their cues, she had not realized that the orchestra members had taken their places.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Agnes had heard them tuning up under the stage for some time; but back in the little hall where the amateur performers were gathered in readiness for their cues, she had not realized that the orchestra members had taken their places.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading The overture swelled into the grand march, and then went on, giving a taste of the marches, dances, and singing numbers, finally with a crash of sound, announcing the moment when the curtain, at the real performance, would go up.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Having watched the rehearsals so closely since they began, she could now imagine the tall director with his baton, beating time for the opening bars.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Agnes had heard them tuning up under the stage for some time; but back in the little hall where the amateur performers were gathered in readiness for their cues, she had not realized that the orchestra members had taken their places.

(music) calibrating something (an instrument or electronic circuit) to a standard frequency

From this reading Agnes had heard them tuning up under the stage for some time; but back in the little hall where the amateur performers were gathered in readiness for their cues, she had not realized that the orchestra members had taken their places.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Agnes had heard them tuning up under the stage for some time; but back in the little hall where the amateur performers were gathered in readiness for their cues, she had not realized that the orchestra members had taken their places.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Agnes had heard them tuning up under the stage for some time; but back in the little hall where the amateur performers were gathered in readiness for their cues, she had not realized that the orchestra members had taken their places.

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading Having watched the rehearsals so closely since they began, she could now imagine the tall director with his baton, beating time for the opening bars.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading The overture swelled into the grand march, and then went on, giving a taste of the marches, dances, and singing numbers, finally with a crash of sound, announcing the moment when the curtain, at the real performance, would go up.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Agnes had heard them tuning up under the stage for some time; but back in the little hall where the amateur performers were gathered in readiness for their cues, she had not realized that the orchestra members had taken their places.

at the time that

From this reading The overture swelled into the grand march, and then went on, giving a taste of the marches, dances, and singing numbers, finally with a crash of sound, announcing the moment when the curtain, at the real performance, would go up.

in or at the place that

From this reading Agnes had heard them tuning up under the stage for some time; but back in the little hall where the amateur performers were gathered in readiness for their cues, she had not realized that the orchestra members had taken their places.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Having watched the rehearsals so closely since they began, she could now imagine the tall director with his baton, beating time for the opening bars.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading The overture swelled into the grand march, and then went on, giving a taste of the marches, dances, and singing numbers, finally with a crash of sound, announcing the moment when the curtain, at the real performance, would go up.