Chapter XII

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

From this reading The walls and ceilings were painted in three shades of peach, the floor covered with a thick carpet of chestnut brown.

the performance of a part or role in a drama

From this reading A rosewood baby-grand piano, a sofa-table, acting now as a writing-table, a small china cabinet, two or three delicate Sheraton chairs and old tray tables, and a walnut fire stool completed the furniture of the room.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading “Breath of Eden” When Inez left the detective on the first occasion, she found her brother, where she had left him, in her own sitting-room, hunched up in an arm-chair and staring gloomily at the fire.

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

From this reading “Breath of Eden” When Inez left the detective on the first occasion, she found her brother, where she had left him, in her own sitting-room, hunched up in an arm-chair and staring gloomily at the fire.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading If environment has the effect upon human spirits with which it is now popularly credited, there was no excuse for the expression on Ryland’s face—Inez’ room was as cheerful as any London room in November can possibly be.

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

From this reading “Breath of Eden” When Inez left the detective on the first occasion, she found her brother, where she had left him, in her own sitting-room, hunched up in an arm-chair and staring gloomily at the fire.

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

From this reading The small Heal sofa, and two arm-chairs, were upholstered in an old-fashioned cretonne, with cushions of green and brown loosely flung in unsymmetrical profusion.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading If environment has the effect upon human spirits with which it is now popularly credited, there was no excuse for the expression on Ryland’s face—Inez’ room was as cheerful as any London room in November can possibly be.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading “Breath of Eden” When Inez left the detective on the first occasion, she found her brother, where she had left him, in her own sitting-room, hunched up in an arm-chair and staring gloomily at the fire.

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

From this reading A rosewood baby-grand piano, a sofa-table, acting now as a writing-table, a small china cabinet, two or three delicate Sheraton chairs and old tray tables, and a walnut fire stool completed the furniture of the room.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading If environment has the effect upon human spirits with which it is now popularly credited, there was no excuse for the expression on Ryland’s face—Inez’ room was as cheerful as any London room in November can possibly be.

the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing

From this reading “Breath of Eden” When Inez left the detective on the first occasion, she found her brother, where she had left him, in her own sitting-room, hunched up in an arm-chair and staring gloomily at the fire.

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading “Breath of Eden” When Inez left the detective on the first occasion, she found her brother, where she had left him, in her own sitting-room, hunched up in an arm-chair and staring gloomily at the fire.

an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading The walls and ceilings were painted in three shades of peach, the floor covered with a thick carpet of chestnut brown.

a piece of furniture resembling a cupboard with doors and shelves and drawers; for storage or display

From this reading A rosewood baby-grand piano, a sofa-table, acting now as a writing-table, a small china cabinet, two or three delicate Sheraton chairs and old tray tables, and a walnut fire stool completed the furniture of the room.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading If environment has the effect upon human spirits with which it is now popularly credited, there was no excuse for the expression on Ryland’s face—Inez’ room was as cheerful as any London room in November can possibly be.

floor covering consisting of a piece of thick heavy fabric (usually with nap or pile)

From this reading The walls and ceilings were painted in three shades of peach, the floor covered with a thick carpet of chestnut brown.

plural of “ceiling” — the overhead upper surface of a covered space

From this reading The walls and ceilings were painted in three shades of peach, the floor covered with a thick carpet of chestnut brown.

plural of “chair” — a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading A rosewood baby-grand piano, a sofa-table, acting now as a writing-table, a small china cabinet, two or three delicate Sheraton chairs and old tray tables, and a walnut fire stool completed the furniture of the room.

being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits

From this reading If environment has the effect upon human spirits with which it is now popularly credited, there was no excuse for the expression on Ryland’s face—Inez’ room was as cheerful as any London room in November can possibly be.

(of hair or feathers) of a golden brown to reddish brown color

From this reading The walls and ceilings were painted in three shades of peach, the floor covered with a thick carpet of chestnut brown.

a communist nation that covers a vast territory in eastern Asia; the most populous country in the world

From this reading A rosewood baby-grand piano, a sofa-table, acting now as a writing-table, a small china cabinet, two or three delicate Sheraton chairs and old tray tables, and a walnut fire stool completed the furniture of the room.

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading A rosewood baby-grand piano, a sofa-table, acting now as a writing-table, a small china cabinet, two or three delicate Sheraton chairs and old tray tables, and a walnut fire stool completed the furniture of the room.

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading The walls and ceilings were painted in three shades of peach, the floor covered with a thick carpet of chestnut brown.

(usually followed by “to”) given credit for

From this reading If environment has the effect upon human spirits with which it is now popularly credited, there was no excuse for the expression on Ryland’s face—Inez’ room was as cheerful as any London room in November can possibly be.

an unglazed heavy fabric; brightly printed; used for slipcovers and draperies

From this reading The small Heal sofa, and two arm-chairs, were upholstered in an old-fashioned cretonne, with cushions of green and brown loosely flung in unsymmetrical profusion.

plural of “cushion” — a mechanical damper; absorbs energy of sudden impulses

From this reading The small Heal sofa, and two arm-chairs, were upholstered in an old-fashioned cretonne, with cushions of green and brown loosely flung in unsymmetrical profusion.

exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury

From this reading A rosewood baby-grand piano, a sofa-table, acting now as a writing-table, a small china cabinet, two or three delicate Sheraton chairs and old tray tables, and a walnut fire stool completed the furniture of the room.

a police officer who investigates crimes

From this reading “Breath of Eden” When Inez left the detective on the first occasion, she found her brother, where she had left him, in her own sitting-room, hunched up in an arm-chair and staring gloomily at the fire.

any place of complete bliss and delight and peace

From this reading “Breath of Eden” When Inez left the detective on the first occasion, she found her brother, where she had left him, in her own sitting-room, hunched up in an arm-chair and staring gloomily at the fire.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading If environment has the effect upon human spirits with which it is now popularly credited, there was no excuse for the expression on Ryland’s face—Inez’ room was as cheerful as any London room in November can possibly be.

the totality of surrounding conditions

From this reading If environment has the effect upon human spirits with which it is now popularly credited, there was no excuse for the expression on Ryland’s face—Inez’ room was as cheerful as any London room in November can possibly be.

accept an excuse for

From this reading If environment has the effect upon human spirits with which it is now popularly credited, there was no excuse for the expression on Ryland’s face—Inez’ room was as cheerful as any London room in November can possibly be.

the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading If environment has the effect upon human spirits with which it is now popularly credited, there was no excuse for the expression on Ryland’s face—Inez’ room was as cheerful as any London room in November can possibly be.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading If environment has the effect upon human spirits with which it is now popularly credited, there was no excuse for the expression on Ryland’s face—Inez’ room was as cheerful as any London room in November can possibly be.

start firing a weapon

From this reading “Breath of Eden” When Inez left the detective on the first occasion, she found her brother, where she had left him, in her own sitting-room, hunched up in an arm-chair and staring gloomily at the fire.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading “Breath of Eden” When Inez left the detective on the first occasion, she found her brother, where she had left him, in her own sitting-room, hunched up in an arm-chair and staring gloomily at the fire.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading The walls and ceilings were painted in three shades of peach, the floor covered with a thick carpet of chestnut brown.

inflected form of “fling” — throw with force or recklessness

From this reading The small Heal sofa, and two arm-chairs, were upholstered in an old-fashioned cretonne, with cushions of green and brown loosely flung in unsymmetrical profusion.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading If environment has the effect upon human spirits with which it is now popularly credited, there was no excuse for the expression on Ryland’s face—Inez’ room was as cheerful as any London room in November can possibly be.

set up or found

From this reading “Breath of Eden” When Inez left the detective on the first occasion, she found her brother, where she had left him, in her own sitting-room, hunched up in an arm-chair and staring gloomily at the fire.

furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy

From this reading A rosewood baby-grand piano, a sofa-table, acting now as a writing-table, a small china cabinet, two or three delicate Sheraton chairs and old tray tables, and a walnut fire stool completed the furniture of the room.

with gloom

From this reading “Breath of Eden” When Inez left the detective on the first occasion, she found her brother, where she had left him, in her own sitting-room, hunched up in an arm-chair and staring gloomily at the fire.

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading The small Heal sofa, and two arm-chairs, were upholstered in an old-fashioned cretonne, with cushions of green and brown loosely flung in unsymmetrical profusion.

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

From this reading “Breath of Eden” When Inez left the detective on the first occasion, she found her brother, where she had left him, in her own sitting-room, hunched up in an arm-chair and staring gloomily at the fire.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading If environment has the effect upon human spirits with which it is now popularly credited, there was no excuse for the expression on Ryland’s face—Inez’ room was as cheerful as any London room in November can possibly be.

heal or recover

From this reading The small Heal sofa, and two arm-chairs, were upholstered in an old-fashioned cretonne, with cushions of green and brown loosely flung in unsymmetrical profusion.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading “Breath of Eden” When Inez left the detective on the first occasion, she found her brother, where she had left him, in her own sitting-room, hunched up in an arm-chair and staring gloomily at the fire.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading “Breath of Eden” When Inez left the detective on the first occasion, she found her brother, where she had left him, in her own sitting-room, hunched up in an arm-chair and staring gloomily at the fire.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading If environment has the effect upon human spirits with which it is now popularly credited, there was no excuse for the expression on Ryland’s face—Inez’ room was as cheerful as any London room in November can possibly be.

having the back and shoulders rounded; not erect

From this reading “Breath of Eden” When Inez left the detective on the first occasion, she found her brother, where she had left him, in her own sitting-room, hunched up in an arm-chair and staring gloomily at the fire.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If environment has the effect upon human spirits with which it is now popularly credited, there was no excuse for the expression on Ryland’s face—Inez’ room was as cheerful as any London room in November can possibly be.

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

From this reading “Breath of Eden” When Inez left the detective on the first occasion, she found her brother, where she had left him, in her own sitting-room, hunched up in an arm-chair and staring gloomily at the fire.

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

From this reading “Breath of Eden” When Inez left the detective on the first occasion, she found her brother, where she had left him, in her own sitting-room, hunched up in an arm-chair and staring gloomily at the fire.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading If environment has the effect upon human spirits with which it is now popularly credited, there was no excuse for the expression on Ryland’s face—Inez’ room was as cheerful as any London room in November can possibly be.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading If environment has the effect upon human spirits with which it is now popularly credited, there was no excuse for the expression on Ryland’s face—Inez’ room was as cheerful as any London room in November can possibly be.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading “Breath of Eden” When Inez left the detective on the first occasion, she found her brother, where she had left him, in her own sitting-room, hunched up in an arm-chair and staring gloomily at the fire.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading If environment has the effect upon human spirits with which it is now popularly credited, there was no excuse for the expression on Ryland’s face—Inez’ room was as cheerful as any London room in November can possibly be.

in a relaxed manner; not rigid

From this reading The small Heal sofa, and two arm-chairs, were upholstered in an old-fashioned cretonne, with cushions of green and brown loosely flung in unsymmetrical profusion.

not any; not one

From this reading If environment has the effect upon human spirits with which it is now popularly credited, there was no excuse for the expression on Ryland’s face—Inez’ room was as cheerful as any London room in November can possibly be.

the month following October and preceding December

From this reading If environment has the effect upon human spirits with which it is now popularly credited, there was no excuse for the expression on Ryland’s face—Inez’ room was as cheerful as any London room in November can possibly be.

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

From this reading If environment has the effect upon human spirits with which it is now popularly credited, there was no excuse for the expression on Ryland’s face—Inez’ room was as cheerful as any London room in November can possibly be.

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading “Breath of Eden” When Inez left the detective on the first occasion, she found her brother, where she had left him, in her own sitting-room, hunched up in an arm-chair and staring gloomily at the fire.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading “Breath of Eden” When Inez left the detective on the first occasion, she found her brother, where she had left him, in her own sitting-room, hunched up in an arm-chair and staring gloomily at the fire.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading A rosewood baby-grand piano, a sofa-table, acting now as a writing-table, a small china cabinet, two or three delicate Sheraton chairs and old tray tables, and a walnut fire stool completed the furniture of the room.

out of fashion

From this reading The small Heal sofa, and two arm-chairs, were upholstered in an old-fashioned cretonne, with cushions of green and brown loosely flung in unsymmetrical profusion.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading “Breath of Eden” When Inez left the detective on the first occasion, she found her brother, where she had left him, in her own sitting-room, hunched up in an arm-chair and staring gloomily at the fire.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading A rosewood baby-grand piano, a sofa-table, acting now as a writing-table, a small china cabinet, two or three delicate Sheraton chairs and old tray tables, and a walnut fire stool completed the furniture of the room.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading “Breath of Eden” When Inez left the detective on the first occasion, she found her brother, where she had left him, in her own sitting-room, hunched up in an arm-chair and staring gloomily at the fire.

coated with paint

From this reading The walls and ceilings were painted in three shades of peach, the floor covered with a thick carpet of chestnut brown.

cultivated in temperate regions

From this reading The walls and ceilings were painted in three shades of peach, the floor covered with a thick carpet of chestnut brown.

a keyboard instrument that is played by depressing keys that cause hammers to strike tuned strings and produce sounds

From this reading A rosewood baby-grand piano, a sofa-table, acting now as a writing-table, a small china cabinet, two or three delicate Sheraton chairs and old tray tables, and a walnut fire stool completed the furniture of the room.

among the people

From this reading If environment has the effect upon human spirits with which it is now popularly credited, there was no excuse for the expression on Ryland’s face—Inez’ room was as cheerful as any London room in November can possibly be.

by chance

From this reading If environment has the effect upon human spirits with which it is now popularly credited, there was no excuse for the expression on Ryland’s face—Inez’ room was as cheerful as any London room in November can possibly be.

the property of being extremely abundant

From this reading The small Heal sofa, and two arm-chairs, were upholstered in an old-fashioned cretonne, with cushions of green and brown loosely flung in unsymmetrical profusion.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading If environment has the effect upon human spirits with which it is now popularly credited, there was no excuse for the expression on Ryland’s face—Inez’ room was as cheerful as any London room in November can possibly be.

hard dark reddish wood of a rosewood tree having a strongly marked grain; used in cabinetwork

From this reading A rosewood baby-grand piano, a sofa-table, acting now as a writing-table, a small china cabinet, two or three delicate Sheraton chairs and old tray tables, and a walnut fire stool completed the furniture of the room.

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

From this reading If environment has the effect upon human spirits with which it is now popularly credited, there was no excuse for the expression on Ryland’s face—Inez’ room was as cheerful as any London room in November can possibly be.

(plural) something that reminds you of someone or something

From this reading The walls and ceilings were painted in three shades of peach, the floor covered with a thick carpet of chestnut brown.

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

From this reading “Breath of Eden” When Inez left the detective on the first occasion, she found her brother, where she had left him, in her own sitting-room, hunched up in an arm-chair and staring gloomily at the fire.

a furniture style that originated in England around 1800; simple in design with straight lines and classical ornamentation

From this reading A rosewood baby-grand piano, a sofa-table, acting now as a writing-table, a small china cabinet, two or three delicate Sheraton chairs and old tray tables, and a walnut fire stool completed the furniture of the room.

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

From this reading “Breath of Eden” When Inez left the detective on the first occasion, she found her brother, where she had left him, in her own sitting-room, hunched up in an arm-chair and staring gloomily at the fire.

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

From this reading The small Heal sofa, and two arm-chairs, were upholstered in an old-fashioned cretonne, with cushions of green and brown loosely flung in unsymmetrical profusion.

an upholstered seat for more than one person

From this reading The small Heal sofa, and two arm-chairs, were upholstered in an old-fashioned cretonne, with cushions of green and brown loosely flung in unsymmetrical profusion.

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

From this reading A rosewood baby-grand piano, a sofa-table, acting now as a writing-table, a small china cabinet, two or three delicate Sheraton chairs and old tray tables, and a walnut fire stool completed the furniture of the room.

an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented

From this reading If environment has the effect upon human spirits with which it is now popularly credited, there was no excuse for the expression on Ryland’s face—Inez’ room was as cheerful as any London room in November can possibly be.

(used of eyes) open and fixed as if in fear or wonder

From this reading “Breath of Eden” When Inez left the detective on the first occasion, she found her brother, where she had left him, in her own sitting-room, hunched up in an arm-chair and staring gloomily at the fire.

a simple seat without a back or arms

From this reading A rosewood baby-grand piano, a sofa-table, acting now as a writing-table, a small china cabinet, two or three delicate Sheraton chairs and old tray tables, and a walnut fire stool completed the furniture of the room.

plural of “table” — a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading A rosewood baby-grand piano, a sofa-table, acting now as a writing-table, a small china cabinet, two or three delicate Sheraton chairs and old tray tables, and a walnut fire stool completed the furniture of the room.

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

From this reading “Breath of Eden” When Inez left the detective on the first occasion, she found her brother, where she had left him, in her own sitting-room, hunched up in an arm-chair and staring gloomily at the fire.

in or at that place or location

From this reading If environment has the effect upon human spirits with which it is now popularly credited, there was no excuse for the expression on Ryland’s face—Inez’ room was as cheerful as any London room in November can possibly be.

not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions

From this reading The walls and ceilings were painted in three shades of peach, the floor covered with a thick carpet of chestnut brown.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading The walls and ceilings were painted in three shades of peach, the floor covered with a thick carpet of chestnut brown.

an open receptacle for holding or displaying or serving articles or food

From this reading A rosewood baby-grand piano, a sofa-table, acting now as a writing-table, a small china cabinet, two or three delicate Sheraton chairs and old tray tables, and a walnut fire stool completed the furniture of the room.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading The small Heal sofa, and two arm-chairs, were upholstered in an old-fashioned cretonne, with cushions of green and brown loosely flung in unsymmetrical profusion.

lacking symmetry

From this reading The small Heal sofa, and two arm-chairs, were upholstered in an old-fashioned cretonne, with cushions of green and brown loosely flung in unsymmetrical profusion.

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

From this reading “Breath of Eden” When Inez left the detective on the first occasion, she found her brother, where she had left him, in her own sitting-room, hunched up in an arm-chair and staring gloomily at the fire.

past form of “upholster” — provide furniture with padding, springs, webbing, and covers

From this reading The small Heal sofa, and two arm-chairs, were upholstered in an old-fashioned cretonne, with cushions of green and brown loosely flung in unsymmetrical profusion.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading If environment has the effect upon human spirits with which it is now popularly credited, there was no excuse for the expression on Ryland’s face—Inez’ room was as cheerful as any London room in November can possibly be.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading The walls and ceilings were painted in three shades of peach, the floor covered with a thick carpet of chestnut brown.

nut of any of various walnut trees having a wrinkled two-lobed seed with a hard shell

From this reading A rosewood baby-grand piano, a sofa-table, acting now as a writing-table, a small china cabinet, two or three delicate Sheraton chairs and old tray tables, and a walnut fire stool completed the furniture of the room.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading If environment has the effect upon human spirits with which it is now popularly credited, there was no excuse for the expression on Ryland’s face—Inez’ room was as cheerful as any London room in November can possibly be.

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

From this reading The walls and ceilings were painted in three shades of peach, the floor covered with a thick carpet of chestnut brown.

at the time that

From this reading “Breath of Eden” When Inez left the detective on the first occasion, she found her brother, where she had left him, in her own sitting-room, hunched up in an arm-chair and staring gloomily at the fire.

in or at the place that

From this reading “Breath of Eden” When Inez left the detective on the first occasion, she found her brother, where she had left him, in her own sitting-room, hunched up in an arm-chair and staring gloomily at the fire.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading If environment has the effect upon human spirits with which it is now popularly credited, there was no excuse for the expression on Ryland’s face—Inez’ room was as cheerful as any London room in November can possibly be.

in the company of; together with

From this reading If environment has the effect upon human spirits with which it is now popularly credited, there was no excuse for the expression on Ryland’s face—Inez’ room was as cheerful as any London room in November can possibly be.

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

From this reading A rosewood baby-grand piano, a sofa-table, acting now as a writing-table, a small china cabinet, two or three delicate Sheraton chairs and old tray tables, and a walnut fire stool completed the furniture of the room.