used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
quickly and without warning
From this reading Subdued whispers, the creaking of seats, and the froufrou of garments had stopped as abruptly as if a silencing signal had gone through the little auditorium.
actorsnounUS /ˈæktərz/
plural of “actor” — a theatrical performer
From this reading The spectators had sat motionless, momentarily holding their breath, and even the voices of the actors had faltered for an appreciable second or two.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading No one could tell why, but of a sudden all sounds had ceased.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The spectators had sat motionless, momentarily holding their breath, and even the voices of the actors had faltered for an appreciable second or two.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
appreciableadjectiveUS /əˈpriːʃəbəl/
enough to be estimated or measured
From this reading The spectators had sat motionless, momentarily holding their breath, and even the voices of the actors had faltered for an appreciable second or two.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Subdued whispers, the creaking of seats, and the froufrou of garments had stopped as abruptly as if a silencing signal had gone through the little auditorium.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
auditoriumnounUS /ˌɔːdəˈtɔːriəm/
the area of a theater or concert hall where the audience sits
From this reading Subdued whispers, the creaking of seats, and the froufrou of garments had stopped as abruptly as if a silencing signal had gone through the little auditorium.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The stillness had been charged with an uneasy tension, and it seemed as though a telepathic whisper of warning had been communicated to the gathering.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
From this reading The spectators had sat motionless, momentarily holding their breath, and even the voices of the actors had faltered for an appreciable second or two.
physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading No one could tell why, but of a sudden all sounds had ceased.
past form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity
From this reading No one could tell why, but of a sudden all sounds had ceased.
chargedadjectiveUS /tʃɑːrdʒd/
of a particle or body or system; having a net amount of positive or negative electric charge
From this reading The stillness had been charged with an uneasy tension, and it seemed as though a telepathic whisper of warning had been communicated to the gathering.
communicatedverbUS /kəˈmjuːnəkeɪtɪd/
past form of “communicate” — transmit information
From this reading The stillness had been charged with an uneasy tension, and it seemed as though a telepathic whisper of warning had been communicated to the gathering.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading No one could tell why, but of a sudden all sounds had ceased.
creakingnounUS /ˈkriːkɪŋ/
a squeaking sound
From this reading Subdued whispers, the creaking of seats, and the froufrou of garments had stopped as abruptly as if a silencing signal had gone through the little auditorium.
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
divisible by two
From this reading The spectators had sat motionless, momentarily holding their breath, and even the voices of the actors had faltered for an appreciable second or two.
falteredverbUS /ˈfɑːltərd/
past form of “falter” — be unsure or weak
From this reading The spectators had sat motionless, momentarily holding their breath, and even the voices of the actors had faltered for an appreciable second or two.
fatefuladjectiveUS /ˈfeɪtfəl/
having momentous consequences; of decisive importance
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The spectators had sat motionless, momentarily holding their breath, and even the voices of the actors had faltered for an appreciable second or two.
froufrou
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Subdued whispers, the creaking of seats, and the froufrou of garments had stopped as abruptly as if a silencing signal had gone through the little auditorium.
garmentsnounUS /ˈɡɑːrmənts/
plural of “garment” — an article of clothing
From this reading Subdued whispers, the creaking of seats, and the froufrou of garments had stopped as abruptly as if a silencing signal had gone through the little auditorium.
a group of persons together in one place
From this reading The stillness had been charged with an uneasy tension, and it seemed as though a telepathic whisper of warning had been communicated to the gathering.
destroyed or killed
From this reading Subdued whispers, the creaking of seats, and the froufrou of garments had stopped as abruptly as if a silencing signal had gone through the little auditorium.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
the act of retaining something
From this reading The spectators had sat motionless, momentarily holding their breath, and even the voices of the actors had faltered for an appreciable second or two.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
become quiet or still; fall silent
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Subdued whispers, the creaking of seats, and the froufrou of garments had stopped as abruptly as if a silencing signal had gone through the little auditorium.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The stillness had been charged with an uneasy tension, and it seemed as though a telepathic whisper of warning had been communicated to the gathering.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Subdued whispers, the creaking of seats, and the froufrou of garments had stopped as abruptly as if a silencing signal had gone through the little auditorium.
an artist of consummate skill
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
memoriesnounUS /ˈmɛm.ə.riz/
Recollections of past events.
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
a particular point in time
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
momentarilyadverbUS /ˌmoʊmənˈterəli/
for an instant or moment
From this reading The spectators had sat motionless, momentarily holding their breath, and even the voices of the actors had faltered for an appreciable second or two.
not in physical motion
From this reading The spectators had sat motionless, momentarily holding their breath, and even the voices of the actors had faltered for an appreciable second or two.
not any; not one
From this reading No one could tell why, but of a sudden all sounds had ceased.
oddsnounUS /ɑːdz/
the likelihood of a thing occurring rather than not occurring
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading No one could tell why, but of a sudden all sounds had ceased.
an open or empty space in or between things
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The spectators had sat motionless, momentarily holding their breath, and even the voices of the actors had faltered for an appreciable second or two.
performancenounUS /pərˈfɔːrməns/
a dramatic or musical entertainment
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
plural of “person” — a human being
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
precededverbUS /prɪˈsiːdɪd/
past form of “precede” — be earlier in time; go back further
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
past form of “remember” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading The spectators had sat motionless, momentarily holding their breath, and even the voices of the actors had faltered for an appreciable second or two.
scrapsnounUS /skræps/
food that is discarded (as from a kitchen)
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
seatsnounUS /siːts/
an area that includes places where several people can sit
From this reading Subdued whispers, the creaking of seats, and the froufrou of garments had stopped as abruptly as if a silencing signal had gone through the little auditorium.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading The spectators had sat motionless, momentarily holding their breath, and even the voices of the actors had faltered for an appreciable second or two.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The stillness had been charged with an uneasy tension, and it seemed as though a telepathic whisper of warning had been communicated to the gathering.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message
From this reading Subdued whispers, the creaking of seats, and the froufrou of garments had stopped as abruptly as if a silencing signal had gone through the little auditorium.
silencingverbUS /ˈsaɪlənsɪŋ/
-ing form of “silence” — cause to be quiet or not talk
From this reading Subdued whispers, the creaking of seats, and the froufrou of garments had stopped as abruptly as if a silencing signal had gone through the little auditorium.
Soul's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading No one could tell why, but of a sudden all sounds had ceased.
spectatorsnounUS /ˈspekteɪtərz/
plural of “spectator” — a close observer; someone who looks at something (such as an exhibition of some kind)
From this reading The spectators had sat motionless, momentarily holding their breath, and even the voices of the actors had faltered for an appreciable second or two.
orally recite the letters of or give the spelling of
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
stillnessnounUS /ˈstɪlnəs/
(poetic) tranquil silence
From this reading The stillness had been charged with an uneasy tension, and it seemed as though a telepathic whisper of warning had been communicated to the gathering.
(of a nose) blocked
From this reading Subdued whispers, the creaking of seats, and the froufrou of garments had stopped as abruptly as if a silencing signal had gone through the little auditorium.
SubduedadjectiveUS /səbˈduːd/
in a softened tone
From this reading Subdued whispers, the creaking of seats, and the froufrou of garments had stopped as abruptly as if a silencing signal had gone through the little auditorium.
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading No one could tell why, but of a sudden all sounds had ceased.
telepathicadjectiveUS /ˌteləˈpæθək/
communicating without apparent physical signals
From this reading The stillness had been charged with an uneasy tension, and it seemed as though a telepathic whisper of warning had been communicated to the gathering.
express in words
From this reading No one could tell why, but of a sudden all sounds had ceased.
tensionnounUS /ˈtenʃən/
(psychology) a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense
From this reading The stillness had been charged with an uneasy tension, and it seemed as though a telepathic whisper of warning had been communicated to the gathering.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The spectators had sat motionless, momentarily holding their breath, and even the voices of the actors had faltered for an appreciable second or two.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The stillness had been charged with an uneasy tension, and it seemed as though a telepathic whisper of warning had been communicated to the gathering.
throngnounUS /θrɔːŋ/
a large gathering of people
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Subdued whispers, the creaking of seats, and the froufrou of garments had stopped as abruptly as if a silencing signal had gone through the little auditorium.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
tragicadjectiveUS /ˈtrædʒɪk/
very sad; especially involving grief or death or destruction
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading The spectators had sat motionless, momentarily holding their breath, and even the voices of the actors had faltered for an appreciable second or two.
uneasyadjectiveUS /əˈniːzi/
lacking a sense of security or affording no ease or reassurance
From this reading The stillness had been charged with an uneasy tension, and it seemed as though a telepathic whisper of warning had been communicated to the gathering.
plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading The spectators had sat motionless, momentarily holding their breath, and even the voices of the actors had faltered for an appreciable second or two.
a message informing of danger
From this reading The stillness had been charged with an uneasy tension, and it seemed as though a telepathic whisper of warning had been communicated to the gathering.
at the time that
From this reading Hours afterward, when the tragic spell had broken and scraps and odds of the affair began to throng the memories of those present at the opening performance of "His Soul's Master," several persons remembered that a curious hush had preceded the fateful moment.
speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cords
From this reading The stillness had been charged with an uneasy tension, and it seemed as though a telepathic whisper of warning had been communicated to the gathering.
whispersnounUS /ˈwɪspərz/
plural of “whisper” — speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cords
From this reading Subdued whispers, the creaking of seats, and the froufrou of garments had stopped as abruptly as if a silencing signal had gone through the little auditorium.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading No one could tell why, but of a sudden all sounds had ceased.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The stillness had been charged with an uneasy tension, and it seemed as though a telepathic whisper of warning had been communicated to the gathering.
