used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE OPIUM RAID Although Ben had been eager to go in search of his strange informer, yet when he set forth he almost regretted not having brought a companion.
speak to
From this reading He knew that the address given must be in the heart of the Chinese quarter, and, like most San Francisco boys, he knew something of that dangerous locality.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading THE OPIUM RAID Although Ben had been eager to go in search of his strange informer, yet when he set forth he almost regretted not having brought a companion.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading THE OPIUM RAID Although Ben had been eager to go in search of his strange informer, yet when he set forth he almost regretted not having brought a companion.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He knew that the address given must be in the heart of the Chinese quarter, and, like most San Francisco boys, he knew something of that dangerous locality.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading Chinatown may present a peaceful appearance in the daytime, but at night, with the weird effects caused by the many-colored lanterns, the inky recesses of the doorways, the depths of underground burrows trod by velvet-footed shadows, it is transformed into a region to strike terror to the bravest.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He had heard of the mysterious murders which at times were of almost daily occurrence; of the sick thrust into the street to die; and of the opium dens, where white people were hidden.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He knew that the address given must be in the heart of the Chinese quarter, and, like most San Francisco boys, he knew something of that dangerous locality.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading THE OPIUM RAID Although Ben had been eager to go in search of his strange informer, yet when he set forth he almost regretted not having brought a companion.
a mountain or tall hill
From this reading THE OPIUM RAID Although Ben had been eager to go in search of his strange informer, yet when he set forth he almost regretted not having brought a companion.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading He knew that the address given must be in the heart of the Chinese quarter, and, like most San Francisco boys, he knew something of that dangerous locality.
bravestadjectiveUS /ˈbreɪvəst/
superlative of “brave” — possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching
From this reading Chinatown may present a peaceful appearance in the daytime, but at night, with the weird effects caused by the many-colored lanterns, the inky recesses of the doorways, the depths of underground burrows trod by velvet-footed shadows, it is transformed into a region to strike terror to the bravest.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading THE OPIUM RAID Although Ben had been eager to go in search of his strange informer, yet when he set forth he almost regretted not having brought a companion.
burrowsnounUS /ˈbɜːroʊz/
plural of “burrow” — a hole made by an animal, usually for shelter
From this reading Chinatown may present a peaceful appearance in the daytime, but at night, with the weird effects caused by the many-colored lanterns, the inky recesses of the doorways, the depths of underground burrows trod by velvet-footed shadows, it is transformed into a region to strike terror to the bravest.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Chinatown may present a peaceful appearance in the daytime, but at night, with the weird effects caused by the many-colored lanterns, the inky recesses of the doorways, the depths of underground burrows trod by velvet-footed shadows, it is transformed into a region to strike terror to the bravest.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Chinatown may present a peaceful appearance in the daytime, but at night, with the weird effects caused by the many-colored lanterns, the inky recesses of the doorways, the depths of underground burrows trod by velvet-footed shadows, it is transformed into a region to strike terror to the bravest.
past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
From this reading Chinatown may present a peaceful appearance in the daytime, but at night, with the weird effects caused by the many-colored lanterns, the inky recesses of the doorways, the depths of underground burrows trod by velvet-footed shadows, it is transformed into a region to strike terror to the bravest.
Chinatown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Chinatown may present a peaceful appearance in the daytime, but at night, with the weird effects caused by the many-colored lanterns, the inky recesses of the doorways, the depths of underground burrows trod by velvet-footed shadows, it is transformed into a region to strike terror to the bravest.
ChinesenounUS /tʃaɪˈniːz/
any of the Sino-Tibetan languages spoken in China; regarded as dialects of a single language (even though they are mutually unintelligible) because they share an ideographic writing system
From this reading He knew that the address given must be in the heart of the Chinese quarter, and, like most San Francisco boys, he knew something of that dangerous locality.
a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading THE OPIUM RAID Although Ben had been eager to go in search of his strange informer, yet when he set forth he almost regretted not having brought a companion.
every day; without missing a day
From this reading He had heard of the mysterious murders which at times were of almost daily occurrence; of the sick thrust into the street to die; and of the opium dens, where white people were hidden.
involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm
From this reading He knew that the address given must be in the heart of the Chinese quarter, and, like most San Francisco boys, he knew something of that dangerous locality.
daytimenounUS /ˈdeɪtaɪm/
the time after sunrise and before sunset while it is light outside
From this reading Chinatown may present a peaceful appearance in the daytime, but at night, with the weird effects caused by the many-colored lanterns, the inky recesses of the doorways, the depths of underground burrows trod by velvet-footed shadows, it is transformed into a region to strike terror to the bravest.
densnounUS /denz/
plural of “den” — the habitation of wild animals
From this reading He had heard of the mysterious murders which at times were of almost daily occurrence; of the sick thrust into the street to die; and of the opium dens, where white people were hidden.
(plural) the deepest and most remote part
From this reading Chinatown may present a peaceful appearance in the daytime, but at night, with the weird effects caused by the many-colored lanterns, the inky recesses of the doorways, the depths of underground burrows trod by velvet-footed shadows, it is transformed into a region to strike terror to the bravest.
pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life
From this reading He had heard of the mysterious murders which at times were of almost daily occurrence; of the sick thrust into the street to die; and of the opium dens, where white people were hidden.
plural of “dog” — a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds
From this reading He had heard, too, of the fierce dogs which were kept on the roofs of the houses; of secret passages leading from house to house, until the place was a vast honeycomb of runways, through which the Chinese slipped like rats in their holes.
doorwaysnounUS /ˈdɔːrweɪz/
plural of “doorway” — the entrance (the space in a wall) through which you enter or leave a room or building; the space that a door can close
From this reading Chinatown may present a peaceful appearance in the daytime, but at night, with the weird effects caused by the many-colored lanterns, the inky recesses of the doorways, the depths of underground burrows trod by velvet-footed shadows, it is transformed into a region to strike terror to the bravest.
eageradjectiveUS /ˈiːɡər/
having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy
From this reading THE OPIUM RAID Although Ben had been eager to go in search of his strange informer, yet when he set forth he almost regretted not having brought a companion.
effectsnounUS /ɪˈfekts/
property of a personal character that is portable but not used in business
From this reading Chinatown may present a peaceful appearance in the daytime, but at night, with the weird effects caused by the many-colored lanterns, the inky recesses of the doorways, the depths of underground burrows trod by velvet-footed shadows, it is transformed into a region to strike terror to the bravest.
marked by extreme and violent energy
From this reading He had heard, too, of the fierce dogs which were kept on the roofs of the houses; of secret passages leading from house to house, until the place was a vast honeycomb of runways, through which the Chinese slipped like rats in their holes.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading THE OPIUM RAID Although Ben had been eager to go in search of his strange informer, yet when he set forth he almost regretted not having brought a companion.
Francisco
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew that the address given must be in the heart of the Chinese quarter, and, like most San Francisco boys, he knew something of that dangerous locality.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He had heard, too, of the fierce dogs which were kept on the roofs of the houses; of secret passages leading from house to house, until the place was a vast honeycomb of runways, through which the Chinese slipped like rats in their holes.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading He knew that the address given must be in the heart of the Chinese quarter, and, like most San Francisco boys, he knew something of that dangerous locality.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading THE OPIUM RAID Although Ben had been eager to go in search of his strange informer, yet when he set forth he almost regretted not having brought a companion.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THE OPIUM RAID Although Ben had been eager to go in search of his strange informer, yet when he set forth he almost regretted not having brought a companion.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading THE OPIUM RAID Although Ben had been eager to go in search of his strange informer, yet when he set forth he almost regretted not having brought a companion.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE OPIUM RAID Although Ben had been eager to go in search of his strange informer, yet when he set forth he almost regretted not having brought a companion.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading He had heard of the mysterious murders which at times were of almost daily occurrence; of the sick thrust into the street to die; and of the opium dens, where white people were hidden.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading He knew that the address given must be in the heart of the Chinese quarter, and, like most San Francisco boys, he knew something of that dangerous locality.
not accessible to view
From this reading He had heard of the mysterious murders which at times were of almost daily occurrence; of the sick thrust into the street to die; and of the opium dens, where white people were hidden.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE OPIUM RAID Although Ben had been eager to go in search of his strange informer, yet when he set forth he almost regretted not having brought a companion.
holesnounUS /hoʊlz/
plural of “hole” — an opening into or through something
From this reading He had heard, too, of the fierce dogs which were kept on the roofs of the houses; of secret passages leading from house to house, until the place was a vast honeycomb of runways, through which the Chinese slipped like rats in their holes.
honeycombverbUS /ˈhʌnikoʊm/
carve a honeycomb pattern into
From this reading He had heard, too, of the fierce dogs which were kept on the roofs of the houses; of secret passages leading from house to house, until the place was a vast honeycomb of runways, through which the Chinese slipped like rats in their holes.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading He had heard, too, of the fierce dogs which were kept on the roofs of the houses; of secret passages leading from house to house, until the place was a vast honeycomb of runways, through which the Chinese slipped like rats in their holes.
plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading He had heard, too, of the fierce dogs which were kept on the roofs of the houses; of secret passages leading from house to house, until the place was a vast honeycomb of runways, through which the Chinese slipped like rats in their holes.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE OPIUM RAID Although Ben had been eager to go in search of his strange informer, yet when he set forth he almost regretted not having brought a companion.
informernounUS /ˌɪnˈfɔːrmər/
one who reveals confidential information in return for money
From this reading THE OPIUM RAID Although Ben had been eager to go in search of his strange informer, yet when he set forth he almost regretted not having brought a companion.
inkyadjectiveUS /ˈɪŋki/
of the color of black ink
From this reading Chinatown may present a peaceful appearance in the daytime, but at night, with the weird effects caused by the many-colored lanterns, the inky recesses of the doorways, the depths of underground burrows trod by velvet-footed shadows, it is transformed into a region to strike terror to the bravest.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading He had heard of the mysterious murders which at times were of almost daily occurrence; of the sick thrust into the street to die; and of the opium dens, where white people were hidden.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Chinatown may present a peaceful appearance in the daytime, but at night, with the weird effects caused by the many-colored lanterns, the inky recesses of the doorways, the depths of underground burrows trod by velvet-footed shadows, it is transformed into a region to strike terror to the bravest.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Chinatown may present a peaceful appearance in the daytime, but at night, with the weird effects caused by the many-colored lanterns, the inky recesses of the doorways, the depths of underground burrows trod by velvet-footed shadows, it is transformed into a region to strike terror to the bravest.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading He had heard, too, of the fierce dogs which were kept on the roofs of the houses; of secret passages leading from house to house, until the place was a vast honeycomb of runways, through which the Chinese slipped like rats in their holes.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading He knew that the address given must be in the heart of the Chinese quarter, and, like most San Francisco boys, he knew something of that dangerous locality.
lanternsnounUS /ˈlæntərnz/
plural of “lantern” — light in a transparent protective case
From this reading Chinatown may present a peaceful appearance in the daytime, but at night, with the weird effects caused by the many-colored lanterns, the inky recesses of the doorways, the depths of underground burrows trod by velvet-footed shadows, it is transformed into a region to strike terror to the bravest.
indicating the most important performer or role
From this reading He had heard, too, of the fierce dogs which were kept on the roofs of the houses; of secret passages leading from house to house, until the place was a vast honeycomb of runways, through which the Chinese slipped like rats in their holes.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading He knew that the address given must be in the heart of the Chinese quarter, and, like most San Francisco boys, he knew something of that dangerous locality.
localitynounUS /loʊˈkæləti/
a surrounding or nearby region
From this reading He knew that the address given must be in the heart of the Chinese quarter, and, like most San Francisco boys, he knew something of that dangerous locality.
many-colored
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Chinatown may present a peaceful appearance in the daytime, but at night, with the weird effects caused by the many-colored lanterns, the inky recesses of the doorways, the depths of underground burrows trod by velvet-footed shadows, it is transformed into a region to strike terror to the bravest.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading Chinatown may present a peaceful appearance in the daytime, but at night, with the weird effects caused by the many-colored lanterns, the inky recesses of the doorways, the depths of underground burrows trod by velvet-footed shadows, it is transformed into a region to strike terror to the bravest.
used to form the superlative
From this reading He knew that the address given must be in the heart of the Chinese quarter, and, like most San Francisco boys, he knew something of that dangerous locality.
murdersnounUS /ˈmɜːrdərz/
plural of “murder” — unlawful premeditated killing of a human being by a human being
From this reading He had heard of the mysterious murders which at times were of almost daily occurrence; of the sick thrust into the street to die; and of the opium dens, where white people were hidden.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading He knew that the address given must be in the heart of the Chinese quarter, and, like most San Francisco boys, he knew something of that dangerous locality.
of an obscure nature
From this reading He had heard of the mysterious murders which at times were of almost daily occurrence; of the sick thrust into the street to die; and of the opium dens, where white people were hidden.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading Chinatown may present a peaceful appearance in the daytime, but at night, with the weird effects caused by the many-colored lanterns, the inky recesses of the doorways, the depths of underground burrows trod by velvet-footed shadows, it is transformed into a region to strike terror to the bravest.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading THE OPIUM RAID Although Ben had been eager to go in search of his strange informer, yet when he set forth he almost regretted not having brought a companion.
occurrencenounUS /əˈkɜːrəns/
an event that happens
From this reading He had heard of the mysterious murders which at times were of almost daily occurrence; of the sick thrust into the street to die; and of the opium dens, where white people were hidden.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE OPIUM RAID Although Ben had been eager to go in search of his strange informer, yet when he set forth he almost regretted not having brought a companion.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He had heard, too, of the fierce dogs which were kept on the roofs of the houses; of secret passages leading from house to house, until the place was a vast honeycomb of runways, through which the Chinese slipped like rats in their holes.
OPIUMnounUS /ˈoʊpiəm/
an addictive narcotic extracted from seed capsules of the opium poppy
From this reading THE OPIUM RAID Although Ben had been eager to go in search of his strange informer, yet when he set forth he almost regretted not having brought a companion.
passagesnounUS /ˈpæsədʒəz/
plural of “passage” — the act of passing from one state or place to the next
From this reading He had heard, too, of the fierce dogs which were kept on the roofs of the houses; of secret passages leading from house to house, until the place was a vast honeycomb of runways, through which the Chinese slipped like rats in their holes.
peacefuladjectiveUS /ˈpiːsfəl/
not disturbed by strife or turmoil or war
From this reading Chinatown may present a peaceful appearance in the daytime, but at night, with the weird effects caused by the many-colored lanterns, the inky recesses of the doorways, the depths of underground burrows trod by velvet-footed shadows, it is transformed into a region to strike terror to the bravest.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading He had heard of the mysterious murders which at times were of almost daily occurrence; of the sick thrust into the street to die; and of the opium dens, where white people were hidden.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading He had heard, too, of the fierce dogs which were kept on the roofs of the houses; of secret passages leading from house to house, until the place was a vast honeycomb of runways, through which the Chinese slipped like rats in their holes.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Chinatown may present a peaceful appearance in the daytime, but at night, with the weird effects caused by the many-colored lanterns, the inky recesses of the doorways, the depths of underground burrows trod by velvet-footed shadows, it is transformed into a region to strike terror to the bravest.
one of four equal parts
From this reading He knew that the address given must be in the heart of the Chinese quarter, and, like most San Francisco boys, he knew something of that dangerous locality.
RAIDverbUS /reɪd/
search without warning, make a sudden surprise attack on
From this reading THE OPIUM RAID Although Ben had been eager to go in search of his strange informer, yet when he set forth he almost regretted not having brought a companion.
ratsnounUS /ræts/
plural of “rat” — any of various long-tailed rodents similar to but larger than a mouse
From this reading He had heard, too, of the fierce dogs which were kept on the roofs of the houses; of secret passages leading from house to house, until the place was a vast honeycomb of runways, through which the Chinese slipped like rats in their holes.
recessesnounUS /ˈriːsesəz/
plural of “recess” — a state of abeyance or suspended business
From this reading Chinatown may present a peaceful appearance in the daytime, but at night, with the weird effects caused by the many-colored lanterns, the inky recesses of the doorways, the depths of underground burrows trod by velvet-footed shadows, it is transformed into a region to strike terror to the bravest.
regionnounUS /ˈriːdʒən/
the extended spatial location of something
From this reading Chinatown may present a peaceful appearance in the daytime, but at night, with the weird effects caused by the many-colored lanterns, the inky recesses of the doorways, the depths of underground burrows trod by velvet-footed shadows, it is transformed into a region to strike terror to the bravest.
regrettedverbUS /rɪˈɡretɪd/
inflected form of “regret” — feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about
From this reading THE OPIUM RAID Although Ben had been eager to go in search of his strange informer, yet when he set forth he almost regretted not having brought a companion.
roofsnounUS /ruːfs/
plural of “roof” — a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building
From this reading He had heard, too, of the fierce dogs which were kept on the roofs of the houses; of secret passages leading from house to house, until the place was a vast honeycomb of runways, through which the Chinese slipped like rats in their holes.
runwaysnounUS /ˈrʌnweɪz/
plural of “runway” — a bar or pair of parallel bars of rolled steel making the railway along which railroad cars or other vehicles can roll
From this reading He had heard, too, of the fierce dogs which were kept on the roofs of the houses; of secret passages leading from house to house, until the place was a vast honeycomb of runways, through which the Chinese slipped like rats in their holes.
San
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew that the address given must be in the heart of the Chinese quarter, and, like most San Francisco boys, he knew something of that dangerous locality.
try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of
From this reading THE OPIUM RAID Although Ben had been eager to go in search of his strange informer, yet when he set forth he almost regretted not having brought a companion.
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading He had heard, too, of the fierce dogs which were kept on the roofs of the houses; of secret passages leading from house to house, until the place was a vast honeycomb of runways, through which the Chinese slipped like rats in their holes.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading THE OPIUM RAID Although Ben had been eager to go in search of his strange informer, yet when he set forth he almost regretted not having brought a companion.
plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries
From this reading Chinatown may present a peaceful appearance in the daytime, but at night, with the weird effects caused by the many-colored lanterns, the inky recesses of the doorways, the depths of underground burrows trod by velvet-footed shadows, it is transformed into a region to strike terror to the bravest.
affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function
From this reading He had heard of the mysterious murders which at times were of almost daily occurrence; of the sick thrust into the street to die; and of the opium dens, where white people were hidden.
inflected form of “slip” — move stealthily
From this reading He had heard, too, of the fierce dogs which were kept on the roofs of the houses; of secret passages leading from house to house, until the place was a vast honeycomb of runways, through which the Chinese slipped like rats in their holes.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading He knew that the address given must be in the heart of the Chinese quarter, and, like most San Francisco boys, he knew something of that dangerous locality.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading THE OPIUM RAID Although Ben had been eager to go in search of his strange informer, yet when he set forth he almost regretted not having brought a companion.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading He had heard of the mysterious murders which at times were of almost daily occurrence; of the sick thrust into the street to die; and of the opium dens, where white people were hidden.
deliver a sharp blow, as with the hand, fist, or weapon
From this reading Chinatown may present a peaceful appearance in the daytime, but at night, with the weird effects caused by the many-colored lanterns, the inky recesses of the doorways, the depths of underground burrows trod by velvet-footed shadows, it is transformed into a region to strike terror to the bravest.
an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety
From this reading Chinatown may present a peaceful appearance in the daytime, but at night, with the weird effects caused by the many-colored lanterns, the inky recesses of the doorways, the depths of underground burrows trod by velvet-footed shadows, it is transformed into a region to strike terror to the bravest.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He knew that the address given must be in the heart of the Chinese quarter, and, like most San Francisco boys, he knew something of that dangerous locality.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE OPIUM RAID Although Ben had been eager to go in search of his strange informer, yet when he set forth he almost regretted not having brought a companion.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading He had heard, too, of the fierce dogs which were kept on the roofs of the houses; of secret passages leading from house to house, until the place was a vast honeycomb of runways, through which the Chinese slipped like rats in their holes.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading He had heard, too, of the fierce dogs which were kept on the roofs of the houses; of secret passages leading from house to house, until the place was a vast honeycomb of runways, through which the Chinese slipped like rats in their holes.
push forcefully
From this reading He had heard of the mysterious murders which at times were of almost daily occurrence; of the sick thrust into the street to die; and of the opium dens, where white people were hidden.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading He had heard of the mysterious murders which at times were of almost daily occurrence; of the sick thrust into the street to die; and of the opium dens, where white people were hidden.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE OPIUM RAID Although Ben had been eager to go in search of his strange informer, yet when he set forth he almost regretted not having brought a companion.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading He had heard, too, of the fierce dogs which were kept on the roofs of the houses; of secret passages leading from house to house, until the place was a vast honeycomb of runways, through which the Chinese slipped like rats in their holes.
transformedadjectiveUS /trænˈsfɔːrmd/
given a completely different form or appearance
From this reading Chinatown may present a peaceful appearance in the daytime, but at night, with the weird effects caused by the many-colored lanterns, the inky recesses of the doorways, the depths of underground burrows trod by velvet-footed shadows, it is transformed into a region to strike terror to the bravest.
trodverbUS /trɑːd/
inflected form of “tread” — put down or press the foot, place the foot
From this reading Chinatown may present a peaceful appearance in the daytime, but at night, with the weird effects caused by the many-colored lanterns, the inky recesses of the doorways, the depths of underground burrows trod by velvet-footed shadows, it is transformed into a region to strike terror to the bravest.
undergroundadjectiveUS /ˈʌndərɡraʊnd/
under the level of the ground
From this reading Chinatown may present a peaceful appearance in the daytime, but at night, with the weird effects caused by the many-colored lanterns, the inky recesses of the doorways, the depths of underground burrows trod by velvet-footed shadows, it is transformed into a region to strike terror to the bravest.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading He had heard, too, of the fierce dogs which were kept on the roofs of the houses; of secret passages leading from house to house, until the place was a vast honeycomb of runways, through which the Chinese slipped like rats in their holes.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading He had heard, too, of the fierce dogs which were kept on the roofs of the houses; of secret passages leading from house to house, until the place was a vast honeycomb of runways, through which the Chinese slipped like rats in their holes.
velvet-footed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Chinatown may present a peaceful appearance in the daytime, but at night, with the weird effects caused by the many-colored lanterns, the inky recesses of the doorways, the depths of underground burrows trod by velvet-footed shadows, it is transformed into a region to strike terror to the bravest.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He had heard, too, of the fierce dogs which were kept on the roofs of the houses; of secret passages leading from house to house, until the place was a vast honeycomb of runways, through which the Chinese slipped like rats in their holes.
weirdadjectiveUS /wɪrd/
suggesting the operation of supernatural influences
From this reading Chinatown may present a peaceful appearance in the daytime, but at night, with the weird effects caused by the many-colored lanterns, the inky recesses of the doorways, the depths of underground burrows trod by velvet-footed shadows, it is transformed into a region to strike terror to the bravest.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He had heard of the mysterious murders which at times were of almost daily occurrence; of the sick thrust into the street to die; and of the opium dens, where white people were hidden.
at the time that
From this reading THE OPIUM RAID Although Ben had been eager to go in search of his strange informer, yet when he set forth he almost regretted not having brought a companion.
in or at the place that
From this reading He had heard of the mysterious murders which at times were of almost daily occurrence; of the sick thrust into the street to die; and of the opium dens, where white people were hidden.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He had heard of the mysterious murders which at times were of almost daily occurrence; of the sick thrust into the street to die; and of the opium dens, where white people were hidden.
a Caucasian
From this reading He had heard of the mysterious murders which at times were of almost daily occurrence; of the sick thrust into the street to die; and of the opium dens, where white people were hidden.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Chinatown may present a peaceful appearance in the daytime, but at night, with the weird effects caused by the many-colored lanterns, the inky recesses of the doorways, the depths of underground burrows trod by velvet-footed shadows, it is transformed into a region to strike terror to the bravest.
but in spite of that
From this reading THE OPIUM RAID Although Ben had been eager to go in search of his strange informer, yet when he set forth he almost regretted not having brought a companion.
