Chapter IV

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

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

-ing form of “adjoin” — lie adjacent to another or share a boundary

From this reading There was a sound of women beginning to weep, of men uttering cries of disbelief, of police ordering guests into the adjoining room to wait.

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

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

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

From this reading De Medici could hear the murmur and exclamations of the arriving guests.

-ing form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading De Medici could hear the murmur and exclamations of the arriving guests.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

a person's social heritage: previous experience or training

From this reading They were gathering in the large reception hall—painters, men and women of the stage, poets, dilettantes—the charming crew of professionals who had formed a background for Victor Ballau’s fastidious existence.

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

From this reading They were gathering in the large reception hall—painters, men and women of the stage, poets, dilettantes—the charming crew of professionals who had formed a background for Victor Ballau’s fastidious existence.

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading There was a sound of women beginning to weep, of men uttering cries of disbelief, of police ordering guests into the adjoining room to wait.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

pleasing or delighting

From this reading They were gathering in the large reception hall—painters, men and women of the stage, poets, dilettantes—the charming crew of professionals who had formed a background for Victor Ballau’s fastidious existence.

a ball of yarn or cord or thread

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

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

From this reading De Medici could hear the murmur and exclamations of the arriving guests.

the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)

From this reading They were gathering in the large reception hall—painters, men and women of the stage, poets, dilettantes—the charming crew of professionals who had formed a background for Victor Ballau’s fastidious existence.

plural of “cry” — a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition

From this reading There was a sound of women beginning to weep, of men uttering cries of disbelief, of police ordering guests into the adjoining room to wait.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

a police officer who investigates crimes

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

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

From this reading They were gathering in the large reception hall—painters, men and women of the stage, poets, dilettantes—the charming crew of professionals who had formed a background for Victor Ballau’s fastidious existence.

doubt about the truth of something

From this reading There was a sound of women beginning to weep, of men uttering cries of disbelief, of police ordering guests into the adjoining room to wait.

make void or empty of contents

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

plural of “exclamation” — an abrupt excited utterance

From this reading De Medici could hear the murmur and exclamations of the arriving guests.

the state or fact of existing

From this reading They were gathering in the large reception hall—painters, men and women of the stage, poets, dilettantes—the charming crew of professionals who had formed a background for Victor Ballau’s fastidious existence.

giving careful attention to detail; hard to please; excessively concerned with cleanliness

From this reading They were gathering in the large reception hall—painters, men and women of the stage, poets, dilettantes—the charming crew of professionals who had formed a background for Victor Ballau’s fastidious existence.

feel or handle with the fingers

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

having or given a form or shape

From this reading They were gathering in the large reception hall—painters, men and women of the stage, poets, dilettantes—the charming crew of professionals who had formed a background for Victor Ballau’s fastidious existence.

a group of persons together in one place

From this reading They were gathering in the large reception hall—painters, men and women of the stage, poets, dilettantes—the charming crew of professionals who had formed a background for Victor Ballau’s fastidious existence.

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading De Medici could hear the murmur and exclamations of the arriving guests.

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

From this reading They were gathering in the large reception hall—painters, men and women of the stage, poets, dilettantes—the charming crew of professionals who had formed a background for Victor Ballau’s fastidious existence.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading They were gathering in the large reception hall—painters, men and women of the stage, poets, dilettantes—the charming crew of professionals who had formed a background for Victor Ballau’s fastidious existence.

perceive (sound) via the auditory sense

From this reading De Medici could hear the murmur and exclamations of the arriving guests.

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

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

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

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

past form of “initial” — mark with one's initials

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading There was a sound of women beginning to weep, of men uttering cries of disbelief, of police ordering guests into the adjoining room to wait.

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

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading They were gathering in the large reception hall—painters, men and women of the stage, poets, dilettantes—the charming crew of professionals who had formed a background for Victor Ballau’s fastidious existence.

plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

aristocratic Italian family of powerful merchants and bankers who ruled Florence in the 15th century

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

the force of workers available

From this reading They were gathering in the large reception hall—painters, men and women of the stage, poets, dilettantes—the charming crew of professionals who had formed a background for Victor Ballau’s fastidious existence.

a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech

From this reading De Medici could hear the murmur and exclamations of the arriving guests.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading De Medici could hear the murmur and exclamations of the arriving guests.

logical or comprehensible arrangement of separate elements

From this reading There was a sound of women beginning to weep, of men uttering cries of disbelief, of police ordering guests into the adjoining room to wait.

plural of “painter” — an artist who paints

From this reading They were gathering in the large reception hall—painters, men and women of the stage, poets, dilettantes—the charming crew of professionals who had formed a background for Victor Ballau’s fastidious existence.

(Greek mythology) the first woman; created by Hephaestus on orders from Zeus who presented her to Epimetheus along with a box filled with evils

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

plural of “poet” — a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)

From this reading They were gathering in the large reception hall—painters, men and women of the stage, poets, dilettantes—the charming crew of professionals who had formed a background for Victor Ballau’s fastidious existence.

the force of policemen and officers

From this reading There was a sound of women beginning to weep, of men uttering cries of disbelief, of police ordering guests into the adjoining room to wait.

plural of “professional” — a person engaged in one of the learned professions

From this reading They were gathering in the large reception hall—painters, men and women of the stage, poets, dilettantes—the charming crew of professionals who had formed a background for Victor Ballau’s fastidious existence.

a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

a container used for carrying money and small personal items or accessories (especially by women)

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

plural of “raise” — the amount a salary is increased

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

the manner in which something is greeted

From this reading They were gathering in the large reception hall—painters, men and women of the stage, poets, dilettantes—the charming crew of professionals who had formed a background for Victor Ballau’s fastidious existence.

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

From this reading There was a sound of women beginning to weep, of men uttering cries of disbelief, of police ordering guests into the adjoining room to wait.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

past form of “sigh” — heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily

From this reading De Medici sighed.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading There was a sound of women beginning to weep, of men uttering cries of disbelief, of police ordering guests into the adjoining room to wait.

any distinct time period in a sequence of events

From this reading They were gathering in the large reception hall—painters, men and women of the stage, poets, dilettantes—the charming crew of professionals who had formed a background for Victor Ballau’s fastidious existence.

plural of “stare” — a fixed look with eyes open wide

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

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

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was a sound of women beginning to weep, of men uttering cries of disbelief, of police ordering guests into the adjoining room to wait.

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

From this reading They were gathering in the large reception hall—painters, men and women of the stage, poets, dilettantes—the charming crew of professionals who had formed a background for Victor Ballau’s fastidious existence.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

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

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

-ing form of “utter” — articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise

From this reading There was a sound of women beginning to weep, of men uttering cries of disbelief, of police ordering guests into the adjoining room to wait.

a combatant who is able to defeat rivals

From this reading They were gathering in the large reception hall—painters, men and women of the stage, poets, dilettantes—the charming crew of professionals who had formed a background for Victor Ballau’s fastidious existence.

stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading There was a sound of women beginning to weep, of men uttering cries of disbelief, of police ordering guests into the adjoining room to wait.

plural of “wait” — time during which some action is awaited

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

a message informing of danger

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

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

From this reading There was a sound of women beginning to weep, of men uttering cries of disbelief, of police ordering guests into the adjoining room to wait.

plural of “weave” — pattern of weaving or structure of a fabric

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

an intricate network suggesting something that was formed by weaving or interweaving

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

shed tears because of sadness, rage, or pain

From this reading There was a sound of women beginning to weep, of men uttering cries of disbelief, of police ordering guests into the adjoining room to wait.

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

From this reading They were gathering in the large reception hall—painters, men and women of the stage, poets, dilettantes—the charming crew of professionals who had formed a background for Victor Ballau’s fastidious existence.

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

From this reading THE EMPTY WEB In which a detective weaves a theory—In which Julien De Medici stares at a clew—In which Pandora raises a warning finger to her lips—A table set for two, an initialed purse, an ancient theater program—but the story waits.

which person or people

From this reading They were gathering in the large reception hall—painters, men and women of the stage, poets, dilettantes—the charming crew of professionals who had formed a background for Victor Ballau’s fastidious existence.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading They were gathering in the large reception hall—painters, men and women of the stage, poets, dilettantes—the charming crew of professionals who had formed a background for Victor Ballau’s fastidious existence.