adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Electric lights sparkled from the ceiling, through the pillared way the ceaseless splashing of water from the fountains in the winter garden seemed like a soft undernote to the murmur of voices, the musical peals of laughter, the swirl of skirts, and the rhythm of flying feet.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading She wore a dress of dull rose-color, a soft, clinging silk, which floated about her as she danced, a creation of Paquin’s, daring but delightful.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Electric lights sparkled from the ceiling, through the pillared way the ceaseless splashing of water from the fountains in the winter garden seemed like a soft undernote to the murmur of voices, the musical peals of laughter, the swirl of skirts, and the rhythm of flying feet.
armnounUS /ɑːrm/
a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
From this reading Penelope stood upon the edge of the ballroom, her hand resting still upon her partner’s arm.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading She wore a dress of dull rose-color, a soft, clinging silk, which floated about her as she danced, a creation of Paquin’s, daring but delightful.
ballroomnounUS /ˈbɔːlruːm/
large room used mainly for dancing
From this reading The perfume of countless roses, the music of the finest band in Europe, floated through the famous white ballroom of Devenham House.
bandnounUS /bænd/
an unofficial association of people or groups
From this reading The perfume of countless roses, the music of the finest band in Europe, floated through the famous white ballroom of Devenham House.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading She wore a dress of dull rose-color, a soft, clinging silk, which floated about her as she danced, a creation of Paquin’s, daring but delightful.
ceaselessadjectiveUS /ˈsiːslɪs/
uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing
From this reading Electric lights sparkled from the ceiling, through the pillared way the ceaseless splashing of water from the fountains in the winter garden seemed like a soft undernote to the murmur of voices, the musical peals of laughter, the swirl of skirts, and the rhythm of flying feet.
ceilingnounUS /ˈsiːlɪŋ/
the overhead upper surface of a covered space
From this reading Electric lights sparkled from the ceiling, through the pillared way the ceaseless splashing of water from the fountains in the winter garden seemed like a soft undernote to the murmur of voices, the musical peals of laughter, the swirl of skirts, and the rhythm of flying feet.
clingingverbUS /ˈklɪŋɪŋ/
-ing form of “cling” — come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation
From this reading She wore a dress of dull rose-color, a soft, clinging silk, which floated about her as she danced, a creation of Paquin’s, daring but delightful.
countlessadjectiveUS /ˈkaʊntləs/
too numerous to be counted
From this reading The perfume of countless roses, the music of the finest band in Europe, floated through the famous white ballroom of Devenham House.
creationnounUS /kriˈeɪʃən/
the human act of creating
From this reading She wore a dress of dull rose-color, a soft, clinging silk, which floated about her as she danced, a creation of Paquin’s, daring but delightful.
dancedverbUS /dænst/
past form of “dance” — move in a graceful and rhythmical way
From this reading She wore a dress of dull rose-color, a soft, clinging silk, which floated about her as she danced, a creation of Paquin’s, daring but delightful.
daringnounUS /ˈderɪŋ/
a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy
From this reading She wore a dress of dull rose-color, a soft, clinging silk, which floated about her as she danced, a creation of Paquin’s, daring but delightful.
delightfuladjectiveUS /dɪˈlaɪtfəl/
greatly pleasing or entertaining
From this reading She wore a dress of dull rose-color, a soft, clinging silk, which floated about her as she danced, a creation of Paquin’s, daring but delightful.
Devenham
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The perfume of countless roses, the music of the finest band in Europe, floated through the famous white ballroom of Devenham House.
dressverbUS /dres/
put on clothes
From this reading She wore a dress of dull rose-color, a soft, clinging silk, which floated about her as she danced, a creation of Paquin’s, daring but delightful.
dulladjectiveUS /dʌl/
lacking in liveliness or animation
From this reading She wore a dress of dull rose-color, a soft, clinging silk, which floated about her as she danced, a creation of Paquin’s, daring but delightful.
edgenounUS /edʒ/
the boundary of a surface
From this reading Penelope stood upon the edge of the ballroom, her hand resting still upon her partner’s arm.
ElectricadjectiveUS /ɪˈlektrɪk/
using or providing or producing or transmitting or operated by electricity
From this reading Electric lights sparkled from the ceiling, through the pillared way the ceaseless splashing of water from the fountains in the winter garden seemed like a soft undernote to the murmur of voices, the musical peals of laughter, the swirl of skirts, and the rhythm of flying feet.
EuropenounUS /ˈjʊrəp/
the 2nd smallest continent (actually a vast peninsula of Eurasia); the British use “Europe” to refer to all of the continent except the British Isles
From this reading The perfume of countless roses, the music of the finest band in Europe, floated through the famous white ballroom of Devenham House.
eyesnounUS /aɪz/
opinion or judgment
From this reading Her eyes were very full and soft.
famousadjectiveUS /ˈfeɪməs/
widely known and esteemed
From this reading The perfume of countless roses, the music of the finest band in Europe, floated through the famous white ballroom of Devenham House.
feetnounUS /fiːt/
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading Electric lights sparkled from the ceiling, through the pillared way the ceaseless splashing of water from the fountains in the winter garden seemed like a soft undernote to the murmur of voices, the musical peals of laughter, the swirl of skirts, and the rhythm of flying feet.
finestadjectiveUS /ˈfaɪnəst/
superlative of “fine” — being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading The perfume of countless roses, the music of the finest band in Europe, floated through the famous white ballroom of Devenham House.
floatedverbUS /ˈfloʊtəd/
past form of “float” — be in motion due to some air or water current
From this reading The perfume of countless roses, the music of the finest band in Europe, floated through the famous white ballroom of Devenham House.
flyingadjectiveUS /ˈflaɪɪŋ/
moving swiftly
From this reading Electric lights sparkled from the ceiling, through the pillared way the ceaseless splashing of water from the fountains in the winter garden seemed like a soft undernote to the murmur of voices, the musical peals of laughter, the swirl of skirts, and the rhythm of flying feet.
fountainsnounUS /ˈfaʊntənz/
plural of “fountain” — a structure from which an artificially produced jet of water arises
From this reading Electric lights sparkled from the ceiling, through the pillared way the ceaseless splashing of water from the fountains in the winter garden seemed like a soft undernote to the murmur of voices, the musical peals of laughter, the swirl of skirts, and the rhythm of flying feet.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Electric lights sparkled from the ceiling, through the pillared way the ceaseless splashing of water from the fountains in the winter garden seemed like a soft undernote to the murmur of voices, the musical peals of laughter, the swirl of skirts, and the rhythm of flying feet.
fulladjectiveUS /fʊl/
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading Her eyes were very full and soft.
gardennounUS /ˈɡɑːrdən/
a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading Electric lights sparkled from the ceiling, through the pillared way the ceaseless splashing of water from the fountains in the winter garden seemed like a soft undernote to the murmur of voices, the musical peals of laughter, the swirl of skirts, and the rhythm of flying feet.
handnounUS /hænd/
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Penelope stood upon the edge of the ballroom, her hand resting still upon her partner’s arm.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Penelope stood upon the edge of the ballroom, her hand resting still upon her partner’s arm.
HousenounUS /haʊs/
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading The perfume of countless roses, the music of the finest band in Europe, floated through the famous white ballroom of Devenham House.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The perfume of countless roses, the music of the finest band in Europe, floated through the famous white ballroom of Devenham House.
laughternounUS /ˈlæftər/
the sound of laughing
From this reading Electric lights sparkled from the ceiling, through the pillared way the ceaseless splashing of water from the fountains in the winter garden seemed like a soft undernote to the murmur of voices, the musical peals of laughter, the swirl of skirts, and the rhythm of flying feet.
lightsnounUS /laɪts/
plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation
From this reading Electric lights sparkled from the ceiling, through the pillared way the ceaseless splashing of water from the fountains in the winter garden seemed like a soft undernote to the murmur of voices, the musical peals of laughter, the swirl of skirts, and the rhythm of flying feet.
likeverbUS /laɪk/
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Electric lights sparkled from the ceiling, through the pillared way the ceaseless splashing of water from the fountains in the winter garden seemed like a soft undernote to the murmur of voices, the musical peals of laughter, the swirl of skirts, and the rhythm of flying feet.
murmurnounUS /ˈmɜːrmər/
a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech
From this reading Electric lights sparkled from the ceiling, through the pillared way the ceaseless splashing of water from the fountains in the winter garden seemed like a soft undernote to the murmur of voices, the musical peals of laughter, the swirl of skirts, and the rhythm of flying feet.
musicnounUS /ˈmjuːzɪk/
an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner
From this reading The perfume of countless roses, the music of the finest band in Europe, floated through the famous white ballroom of Devenham House.
musicaladjectiveUS /ˈmjuːzɪkəl/
characterized by or capable of producing music
From this reading Electric lights sparkled from the ceiling, through the pillared way the ceaseless splashing of water from the fountains in the winter garden seemed like a soft undernote to the murmur of voices, the musical peals of laughter, the swirl of skirts, and the rhythm of flying feet.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The perfume of countless roses, the music of the finest band in Europe, floated through the famous white ballroom of Devenham House.
Paquin's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She wore a dress of dull rose-color, a soft, clinging silk, which floated about her as she danced, a creation of Paquin’s, daring but delightful.
partner'snounUS /ˈpɑːrtnərz/
possessive form of “partner” — a person's partner in marriage
From this reading Penelope stood upon the edge of the ballroom, her hand resting still upon her partner’s arm.
peals
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Electric lights sparkled from the ceiling, through the pillared way the ceaseless splashing of water from the fountains in the winter garden seemed like a soft undernote to the murmur of voices, the musical peals of laughter, the swirl of skirts, and the rhythm of flying feet.
PenelopenounUS /pəˈneləpi/
(Greek mythology) the wife of Odysseus and a symbol of devotion and fidelity; for 10 years while Odysseus fought the Trojan War she resisted numerous suitors until Odysseus returned and killed them
From this reading Penelope stood upon the edge of the ballroom, her hand resting still upon her partner’s arm.
perfumenounUS /pərˈfjuːm/
a distinctive odor that is pleasant
From this reading The perfume of countless roses, the music of the finest band in Europe, floated through the famous white ballroom of Devenham House.
pillaredadjectiveUS /ˈpɪlərd/
having pillars
From this reading Electric lights sparkled from the ceiling, through the pillared way the ceaseless splashing of water from the fountains in the winter garden seemed like a soft undernote to the murmur of voices, the musical peals of laughter, the swirl of skirts, and the rhythm of flying feet.
restingverbUS /ˈrestɪŋ/
-ing form of “rest” — not move; be in a resting position
From this reading Penelope stood upon the edge of the ballroom, her hand resting still upon her partner’s arm.
rhythmnounUS /ˈrɪðəm/
the basic rhythmic unit in a piece of music
From this reading Electric lights sparkled from the ceiling, through the pillared way the ceaseless splashing of water from the fountains in the winter garden seemed like a soft undernote to the murmur of voices, the musical peals of laughter, the swirl of skirts, and the rhythm of flying feet.
rose-color
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She wore a dress of dull rose-color, a soft, clinging silk, which floated about her as she danced, a creation of Paquin’s, daring but delightful.
rosesnounUS /ˈroʊzɪz/
plural of “rose” — any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading The perfume of countless roses, the music of the finest band in Europe, floated through the famous white ballroom of Devenham House.
seemedverbUS /siːmd/
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Electric lights sparkled from the ceiling, through the pillared way the ceaseless splashing of water from the fountains in the winter garden seemed like a soft undernote to the murmur of voices, the musical peals of laughter, the swirl of skirts, and the rhythm of flying feet.
ShepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She wore a dress of dull rose-color, a soft, clinging silk, which floated about her as she danced, a creation of Paquin’s, daring but delightful.
silknounUS /sɪlk/
a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae
From this reading She wore a dress of dull rose-color, a soft, clinging silk, which floated about her as she danced, a creation of Paquin’s, daring but delightful.
skirtsnounUS /skɜːrts/
plural of “skirt” — cloth covering that forms the part of a garment below the waist
From this reading Electric lights sparkled from the ceiling, through the pillared way the ceaseless splashing of water from the fountains in the winter garden seemed like a soft undernote to the murmur of voices, the musical peals of laughter, the swirl of skirts, and the rhythm of flying feet.
softadjectiveUS /sɑːft/
yielding readily to pressure or weight
From this reading Electric lights sparkled from the ceiling, through the pillared way the ceaseless splashing of water from the fountains in the winter garden seemed like a soft undernote to the murmur of voices, the musical peals of laughter, the swirl of skirts, and the rhythm of flying feet.
sparkledverbUS /ˈspɑːrkəld/
past form of “sparkle” — reflect brightly
From this reading Electric lights sparkled from the ceiling, through the pillared way the ceaseless splashing of water from the fountains in the winter garden seemed like a soft undernote to the murmur of voices, the musical peals of laughter, the swirl of skirts, and the rhythm of flying feet.
splashingnounUS /ˈsplæʃɪŋ/
the act of splashing a (liquid) substance on a surface
From this reading Electric lights sparkled from the ceiling, through the pillared way the ceaseless splashing of water from the fountains in the winter garden seemed like a soft undernote to the murmur of voices, the musical peals of laughter, the swirl of skirts, and the rhythm of flying feet.
stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/
not in physical motion
From this reading Penelope stood upon the edge of the ballroom, her hand resting still upon her partner’s arm.
stoodverbUS /stʊd/
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading Penelope stood upon the edge of the ballroom, her hand resting still upon her partner’s arm.
swirlverbUS /swɜːrl/
turn in a twisting or spinning motion
From this reading Electric lights sparkled from the ceiling, through the pillared way the ceaseless splashing of water from the fountains in the winter garden seemed like a soft undernote to the murmur of voices, the musical peals of laughter, the swirl of skirts, and the rhythm of flying feet.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The perfume of countless roses, the music of the finest band in Europe, floated through the famous white ballroom of Devenham House.
throughprepositionUS /θruː/
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading The perfume of countless roses, the music of the finest band in Europe, floated through the famous white ballroom of Devenham House.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Electric lights sparkled from the ceiling, through the pillared way the ceaseless splashing of water from the fountains in the winter garden seemed like a soft undernote to the murmur of voices, the musical peals of laughter, the swirl of skirts, and the rhythm of flying feet.
undernote
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Electric lights sparkled from the ceiling, through the pillared way the ceaseless splashing of water from the fountains in the winter garden seemed like a soft undernote to the murmur of voices, the musical peals of laughter, the swirl of skirts, and the rhythm of flying feet.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Penelope stood upon the edge of the ballroom, her hand resting still upon her partner’s arm.
veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/
precisely as stated
From this reading Her eyes were very full and soft.
voicesnounUS /ˈvɔɪsəz/
plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading Electric lights sparkled from the ceiling, through the pillared way the ceaseless splashing of water from the fountains in the winter garden seemed like a soft undernote to the murmur of voices, the musical peals of laughter, the swirl of skirts, and the rhythm of flying feet.
waternounUS /ˈwɔːtər/
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading Electric lights sparkled from the ceiling, through the pillared way the ceaseless splashing of water from the fountains in the winter garden seemed like a soft undernote to the murmur of voices, the musical peals of laughter, the swirl of skirts, and the rhythm of flying feet.
waynounUS /weɪ/
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Electric lights sparkled from the ceiling, through the pillared way the ceaseless splashing of water from the fountains in the winter garden seemed like a soft undernote to the murmur of voices, the musical peals of laughter, the swirl of skirts, and the rhythm of flying feet.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Her eyes were very full and soft.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading She wore a dress of dull rose-color, a soft, clinging silk, which floated about her as she danced, a creation of Paquin’s, daring but delightful.
whitenounUS /waɪt/
a Caucasian
From this reading The perfume of countless roses, the music of the finest band in Europe, floated through the famous white ballroom of Devenham House.
winternounUS /ˈwɪntər/
the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading Electric lights sparkled from the ceiling, through the pillared way the ceaseless splashing of water from the fountains in the winter garden seemed like a soft undernote to the murmur of voices, the musical peals of laughter, the swirl of skirts, and the rhythm of flying feet.
woreverbUS /wɔːr/
inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in
From this reading She wore a dress of dull rose-color, a soft, clinging silk, which floated about her as she danced, a creation of Paquin’s, daring but delightful.
