used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A thermometer on the terrace showed the mercury clinging stubbornly to a point above zero; but the still air was keen and stimulating, and the sun argued for good cheer in a cloudless sky.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading A thermometer on the terrace showed the mercury clinging stubbornly to a point above zero; but the still air was keen and stimulating, and the sun argued for good cheer in a cloudless sky.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading A thermometer on the terrace showed the mercury clinging stubbornly to a point above zero; but the still air was keen and stimulating, and the sun argued for good cheer in a cloudless sky.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Stoddard, who had been to the chapel for his usual seven o’clock service, was deep in the pocket Greek testament he always carried.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading We had swallowed some breakfast, though I believe no one had manifested an appetite, and we were cheering ourselves with the idlest talk possible.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A thermometer on the terrace showed the mercury clinging stubbornly to a point above zero; but the still air was keen and stimulating, and the sun argued for good cheer in a cloudless sky.
react verbally
From this reading Bates ran in to report a summons at the outer wall, and Larry and I went together to answer it, sending Bates to keep watch toward the lake.
appetitenounUS /ˈæpətaɪt/
a feeling of craving something
From this reading We had swallowed some breakfast, though I believe no one had manifested an appetite, and we were cheering ourselves with the idlest talk possible.
arguedverbUS /ˈɑːrɡjuːd/
past form of “argue” — present reasons and arguments
From this reading A thermometer on the terrace showed the mercury clinging stubbornly to a point above zero; but the still air was keen and stimulating, and the sun argued for good cheer in a cloudless sky.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Bates ran in to report a summons at the outer wall, and Larry and I went together to answer it, sending Bates to keep watch toward the lake.
BatesverbUS /beɪts/
third-person singular of “bate” — moderate or restrain; lessen the force of
From this reading Bates ran in to report a summons at the outer wall, and Larry and I went together to answer it, sending Bates to keep watch toward the lake.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Stoddard, who had been to the chapel for his usual seven o’clock service, was deep in the pocket Greek testament he always carried.
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading We had swallowed some breakfast, though I believe no one had manifested an appetite, and we were cheering ourselves with the idlest talk possible.
BESIEGEDadjectiveUS /bɪˈsiːdʒd/
surrounded by hostile forces
From this reading BESIEGED It was nine o’clock.
eat an early morning meal
From this reading We had swallowed some breakfast, though I believe no one had manifested an appetite, and we were cheering ourselves with the idlest talk possible.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading A thermometer on the terrace showed the mercury clinging stubbornly to a point above zero; but the still air was keen and stimulating, and the sun argued for good cheer in a cloudless sky.
inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading Stoddard, who had been to the chapel for his usual seven o’clock service, was deep in the pocket Greek testament he always carried.
chapelnounUS /ˈtʃæpəl/
a place of worship that has its own altar
From this reading Stoddard, who had been to the chapel for his usual seven o’clock service, was deep in the pocket Greek testament he always carried.
give encouragement to
From this reading A thermometer on the terrace showed the mercury clinging stubbornly to a point above zero; but the still air was keen and stimulating, and the sun argued for good cheer in a cloudless sky.
cheeringnounUS /ˈtʃɪrɪŋ/
encouragement in the form of cheers from spectators
From this reading We had swallowed some breakfast, though I believe no one had manifested an appetite, and we were cheering ourselves with the idlest talk possible.
clingingverbUS /ˈklɪŋɪŋ/
-ing form of “cling” — come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation
From this reading A thermometer on the terrace showed the mercury clinging stubbornly to a point above zero; but the still air was keen and stimulating, and the sun argued for good cheer in a cloudless sky.
cloudlessadjectiveUS /ˈklaʊdləs/
free from clouds
From this reading A thermometer on the terrace showed the mercury clinging stubbornly to a point above zero; but the still air was keen and stimulating, and the sun argued for good cheer in a cloudless sky.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading Stoddard, who had been to the chapel for his usual seven o’clock service, was deep in the pocket Greek testament he always carried.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A thermometer on the terrace showed the mercury clinging stubbornly to a point above zero; but the still air was keen and stimulating, and the sun argued for good cheer in a cloudless sky.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading A thermometer on the terrace showed the mercury clinging stubbornly to a point above zero; but the still air was keen and stimulating, and the sun argued for good cheer in a cloudless sky.
the Hellenic branch of the Indo-European family of languages
From this reading Stoddard, who had been to the chapel for his usual seven o’clock service, was deep in the pocket Greek testament he always carried.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading We had swallowed some breakfast, though I believe no one had manifested an appetite, and we were cheering ourselves with the idlest talk possible.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Stoddard, who had been to the chapel for his usual seven o’clock service, was deep in the pocket Greek testament he always carried.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Stoddard, who had been to the chapel for his usual seven o’clock service, was deep in the pocket Greek testament he always carried.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading We had swallowed some breakfast, though I believe no one had manifested an appetite, and we were cheering ourselves with the idlest talk possible.
idlest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We had swallowed some breakfast, though I believe no one had manifested an appetite, and we were cheering ourselves with the idlest talk possible.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A thermometer on the terrace showed the mercury clinging stubbornly to a point above zero; but the still air was keen and stimulating, and the sun argued for good cheer in a cloudless sky.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading BESIEGED It was nine o’clock.
having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
From this reading A thermometer on the terrace showed the mercury clinging stubbornly to a point above zero; but the still air was keen and stimulating, and the sun argued for good cheer in a cloudless sky.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading Bates ran in to report a summons at the outer wall, and Larry and I went together to answer it, sending Bates to keep watch toward the lake.
a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land
From this reading Bates ran in to report a summons at the outer wall, and Larry and I went together to answer it, sending Bates to keep watch toward the lake.
Larry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bates ran in to report a summons at the outer wall, and Larry and I went together to answer it, sending Bates to keep watch toward the lake.
manifestedverbUS /ˈmænəfestəd/
past form of “manifest” — provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one's behavior, attitude, or external attributes
From this reading We had swallowed some breakfast, though I believe no one had manifested an appetite, and we were cheering ourselves with the idlest talk possible.
mercurynounUS /ˈmɜːrkjəri/
a heavy silvery toxic univalent and bivalent metallic element; the only metal that is liquid at ordinary temperatures
From this reading A thermometer on the terrace showed the mercury clinging stubbornly to a point above zero; but the still air was keen and stimulating, and the sun argued for good cheer in a cloudless sky.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
From this reading BESIEGED It was nine o’clock.
not any; not one
From this reading We had swallowed some breakfast, though I believe no one had manifested an appetite, and we were cheering ourselves with the idlest talk possible.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading BESIEGED It was nine o’clock.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A thermometer on the terrace showed the mercury clinging stubbornly to a point above zero; but the still air was keen and stimulating, and the sun argued for good cheer in a cloudless sky.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading We had swallowed some breakfast, though I believe no one had manifested an appetite, and we were cheering ourselves with the idlest talk possible.
used when we are both doing the action and receiving it
From this reading We had swallowed some breakfast, though I believe no one had manifested an appetite, and we were cheering ourselves with the idlest talk possible.
outeradjectiveUS /ˈaʊtər/
being on the outside or further from a center
From this reading Bates ran in to report a summons at the outer wall, and Larry and I went together to answer it, sending Bates to keep watch toward the lake.
a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles
From this reading Stoddard, who had been to the chapel for his usual seven o’clock service, was deep in the pocket Greek testament he always carried.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading A thermometer on the terrace showed the mercury clinging stubbornly to a point above zero; but the still air was keen and stimulating, and the sun argued for good cheer in a cloudless sky.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading We had swallowed some breakfast, though I believe no one had manifested an appetite, and we were cheering ourselves with the idlest talk possible.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading Bates ran in to report a summons at the outer wall, and Larry and I went together to answer it, sending Bates to keep watch toward the lake.
to give an account or representation of in words
From this reading Bates ran in to report a summons at the outer wall, and Larry and I went together to answer it, sending Bates to keep watch toward the lake.
the act of causing something to go (especially messages)
From this reading Bates ran in to report a summons at the outer wall, and Larry and I went together to answer it, sending Bates to keep watch toward the lake.
work done by one person or group that benefits another
From this reading Stoddard, who had been to the chapel for his usual seven o’clock service, was deep in the pocket Greek testament he always carried.
the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one
From this reading Stoddard, who had been to the chapel for his usual seven o’clock service, was deep in the pocket Greek testament he always carried.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading A thermometer on the terrace showed the mercury clinging stubbornly to a point above zero; but the still air was keen and stimulating, and the sun argued for good cheer in a cloudless sky.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading A thermometer on the terrace showed the mercury clinging stubbornly to a point above zero; but the still air was keen and stimulating, and the sun argued for good cheer in a cloudless sky.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading We had swallowed some breakfast, though I believe no one had manifested an appetite, and we were cheering ourselves with the idlest talk possible.
not in physical motion
From this reading A thermometer on the terrace showed the mercury clinging stubbornly to a point above zero; but the still air was keen and stimulating, and the sun argued for good cheer in a cloudless sky.
stimulatingadjectiveUS /ˈstɪmjəleɪtɪŋ/
rousing or quickening activity or the senses
From this reading A thermometer on the terrace showed the mercury clinging stubbornly to a point above zero; but the still air was keen and stimulating, and the sun argued for good cheer in a cloudless sky.
Stoddard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Stoddard, who had been to the chapel for his usual seven o’clock service, was deep in the pocket Greek testament he always carried.
stubbornlyadverbUS /ˈstʌbərnli/
in a stubborn unregenerate manner
From this reading A thermometer on the terrace showed the mercury clinging stubbornly to a point above zero; but the still air was keen and stimulating, and the sun argued for good cheer in a cloudless sky.
summonsnounUS /ˈsʌmənz/
a request to be present
From this reading Bates ran in to report a summons at the outer wall, and Larry and I went together to answer it, sending Bates to keep watch toward the lake.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading A thermometer on the terrace showed the mercury clinging stubbornly to a point above zero; but the still air was keen and stimulating, and the sun argued for good cheer in a cloudless sky.
swallowedverbUS /ˈswɑːloʊd/
past form of “swallow” — pass through the esophagus as part of eating or drinking
From this reading We had swallowed some breakfast, though I believe no one had manifested an appetite, and we were cheering ourselves with the idlest talk possible.
exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading We had swallowed some breakfast, though I believe no one had manifested an appetite, and we were cheering ourselves with the idlest talk possible.
terracenounUS /ˈterəs/
usually paved outdoor area adjoining a residence
From this reading A thermometer on the terrace showed the mercury clinging stubbornly to a point above zero; but the still air was keen and stimulating, and the sun argued for good cheer in a cloudless sky.
testamentnounUS /ˈtestəmənt/
a profession of belief
From this reading Stoddard, who had been to the chapel for his usual seven o’clock service, was deep in the pocket Greek testament he always carried.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A thermometer on the terrace showed the mercury clinging stubbornly to a point above zero; but the still air was keen and stimulating, and the sun argued for good cheer in a cloudless sky.
thermometernounUS /θərˈmɑːmətər/
measuring instrument for measuring temperature
From this reading A thermometer on the terrace showed the mercury clinging stubbornly to a point above zero; but the still air was keen and stimulating, and the sun argued for good cheer in a cloudless sky.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading We had swallowed some breakfast, though I believe no one had manifested an appetite, and we were cheering ourselves with the idlest talk possible.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A thermometer on the terrace showed the mercury clinging stubbornly to a point above zero; but the still air was keen and stimulating, and the sun argued for good cheer in a cloudless sky.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading Bates ran in to report a summons at the outer wall, and Larry and I went together to answer it, sending Bates to keep watch toward the lake.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading Bates ran in to report a summons at the outer wall, and Larry and I went together to answer it, sending Bates to keep watch toward the lake.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading Stoddard, who had been to the chapel for his usual seven o’clock service, was deep in the pocket Greek testament he always carried.
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 Bates ran in to report a summons at the outer wall, and Larry and I went together to answer it, sending Bates to keep watch toward the lake.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading BESIEGED It was nine o’clock.
look attentively
From this reading Bates ran in to report a summons at the outer wall, and Larry and I went together to answer it, sending Bates to keep watch toward the lake.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading We had swallowed some breakfast, though I believe no one had manifested an appetite, and we were cheering ourselves with the idlest talk possible.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Bates ran in to report a summons at the outer wall, and Larry and I went together to answer it, sending Bates to keep watch toward the lake.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading We had swallowed some breakfast, though I believe no one had manifested an appetite, and we were cheering ourselves with the idlest talk possible.
which person or people
From this reading Stoddard, who had been to the chapel for his usual seven o’clock service, was deep in the pocket Greek testament he always carried.
in the company of; together with
From this reading We had swallowed some breakfast, though I believe no one had manifested an appetite, and we were cheering ourselves with the idlest talk possible.
zeroadjectiveUS /ˈzɪroʊ/
indicating the absence of any or all units under consideration
From this reading A thermometer on the terrace showed the mercury clinging stubbornly to a point above zero; but the still air was keen and stimulating, and the sun argued for good cheer in a cloudless sky.
