used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Turning to the right under an archway from the damp, moss-grown court over which the tower throws a perpetual shadow, a broad staircase, closed by a door of open ironwork, leads to the first story (the _piano nobile_).
accessnounUS /ˈækses/
the right to enter
From this reading Here an anteroom, with Etruscan urns and fragments of mediaeval sculpture let into the walls, gives access to a great _sala_, or hall, where Paolo Guinigi entertained the citizens and magnates of Lucca with sumptuous hospitality.
how long something has existed
From this reading The vaulted ceiling, divided into compartments by heavy panels, is profusely gilt, and painted in fresco by Venetian masters; but the gold is dulled by age, and the frescoes are but dingy patches of what once was color.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Turning to the right under an archway from the damp, moss-grown court over which the tower throws a perpetual shadow, a broad staircase, closed by a door of open ironwork, leads to the first story (the _piano nobile_).
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The stern and repulsive aspect of the exterior of the Marchesa Guinigi's palace belied the antique magnificence within.
anteroomnoun
a large entrance or reception room or area
From this reading Here an anteroom, with Etruscan urns and fragments of mediaeval sculpture let into the walls, gives access to a great _sala_, or hall, where Paolo Guinigi entertained the citizens and magnates of Lucca with sumptuous hospitality.
antiqueadjectiveUS /ænˈtiːk/
made in or typical of earlier times and valued for its age
From this reading The stern and repulsive aspect of the exterior of the Marchesa Guinigi's palace belied the antique magnificence within.
archwaynounUS /ˈɑːrtʃweɪ/
a passageway under a curved masonry construction
From this reading Turning to the right under an archway from the damp, moss-grown court over which the tower throws a perpetual shadow, a broad staircase, closed by a door of open ironwork, leads to the first story (the _piano nobile_).
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The vaulted ceiling, divided into compartments by heavy panels, is profusely gilt, and painted in fresco by Venetian masters; but the gold is dulled by age, and the frescoes are but dingy patches of what once was color.
a distinct feature or element in a problem
From this reading The stern and repulsive aspect of the exterior of the Marchesa Guinigi's palace belied the antique magnificence within.
beliedverbUS /bɪˈlaɪd/
past form of “belie” — be in contradiction with
From this reading The stern and repulsive aspect of the exterior of the Marchesa Guinigi's palace belied the antique magnificence within.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading Turning to the right under an archway from the damp, moss-grown court over which the tower throws a perpetual shadow, a broad staircase, closed by a door of open ironwork, leads to the first story (the _piano nobile_).
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The vaulted ceiling, divided into compartments by heavy panels, is profusely gilt, and painted in fresco by Venetian masters; but the gold is dulled by age, and the frescoes are but dingy patches of what once was color.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Turning to the right under an archway from the damp, moss-grown court over which the tower throws a perpetual shadow, a broad staircase, closed by a door of open ironwork, leads to the first story (the _piano nobile_).
ceilingnounUS /ˈsiːlɪŋ/
the overhead upper surface of a covered space
From this reading The vaulted ceiling, divided into compartments by heavy panels, is profusely gilt, and painted in fresco by Venetian masters; but the gold is dulled by age, and the frescoes are but dingy patches of what once was color.
citizensnounUS /ˈsɪtəzənz/
plural of “citizen” — a native or naturalized member of a state or other political community
From this reading Here an anteroom, with Etruscan urns and fragments of mediaeval sculpture let into the walls, gives access to a great _sala_, or hall, where Paolo Guinigi entertained the citizens and magnates of Lucca with sumptuous hospitality.
not open or affording passage or access
From this reading Turning to the right under an archway from the damp, moss-grown court over which the tower throws a perpetual shadow, a broad staircase, closed by a door of open ironwork, leads to the first story (the _piano nobile_).
a visual attribute of things that results from the light they emit or transmit or reflect
From this reading The vaulted ceiling, divided into compartments by heavy panels, is profusely gilt, and painted in fresco by Venetian masters; but the gold is dulled by age, and the frescoes are but dingy patches of what once was color.
compartmentsnounUS /kəmˈpɑːrtmənts/
plural of “compartment” — a space into which an area is subdivided
From this reading The vaulted ceiling, divided into compartments by heavy panels, is profusely gilt, and painted in fresco by Venetian masters; but the gold is dulled by age, and the frescoes are but dingy patches of what once was color.
an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
From this reading Turning to the right under an archway from the damp, moss-grown court over which the tower throws a perpetual shadow, a broad staircase, closed by a door of open ironwork, leads to the first story (the _piano nobile_).
dampadjectiveUS /dæmp/
slightly wet
From this reading Turning to the right under an archway from the damp, moss-grown court over which the tower throws a perpetual shadow, a broad staircase, closed by a door of open ironwork, leads to the first story (the _piano nobile_).
dingyadjectiveUS /ˈdɪndʒi/
thickly covered with ingrained dirt or soot
From this reading The vaulted ceiling, divided into compartments by heavy panels, is profusely gilt, and painted in fresco by Venetian masters; but the gold is dulled by age, and the frescoes are but dingy patches of what once was color.
separated into parts or pieces
From this reading The vaulted ceiling, divided into compartments by heavy panels, is profusely gilt, and painted in fresco by Venetian masters; but the gold is dulled by age, and the frescoes are but dingy patches of what once was color.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading Turning to the right under an archway from the damp, moss-grown court over which the tower throws a perpetual shadow, a broad staircase, closed by a door of open ironwork, leads to the first story (the _piano nobile_).
dulledadjectiveUS /dʌld/
having lost or been caused to lose interest because of overexposure
From this reading The vaulted ceiling, divided into compartments by heavy panels, is profusely gilt, and painted in fresco by Venetian masters; but the gold is dulled by age, and the frescoes are but dingy patches of what once was color.
entertainedadjectiveUS /ˌentərˈteɪnd/
pleasantly occupied
From this reading Here an anteroom, with Etruscan urns and fragments of mediaeval sculpture let into the walls, gives access to a great _sala_, or hall, where Paolo Guinigi entertained the citizens and magnates of Lucca with sumptuous hospitality.
EtruscannounUS /ɪˈtrʌskən/
a native or inhabitant of ancient Etruria; the Etruscans influenced the Romans (who had suppressed them by about 200 BC)
From this reading Here an anteroom, with Etruscan urns and fragments of mediaeval sculpture let into the walls, gives access to a great _sala_, or hall, where Paolo Guinigi entertained the citizens and magnates of Lucca with sumptuous hospitality.
exteriornounUS /ɪkˈstɪriər/
the region that is outside of something
From this reading The stern and repulsive aspect of the exterior of the Marchesa Guinigi's palace belied the antique magnificence within.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Turning to the right under an archway from the damp, moss-grown court over which the tower throws a perpetual shadow, a broad staircase, closed by a door of open ironwork, leads to the first story (the _piano nobile_).
fragmentsnounUS /ˈfræɡmənts/
plural of “fragment” — a piece broken off or cut off of something else
From this reading Here an anteroom, with Etruscan urns and fragments of mediaeval sculpture let into the walls, gives access to a great _sala_, or hall, where Paolo Guinigi entertained the citizens and magnates of Lucca with sumptuous hospitality.
fresconounUS /ˈfreskoʊ/
a mural done with watercolors on wet plaster
From this reading The vaulted ceiling, divided into compartments by heavy panels, is profusely gilt, and painted in fresco by Venetian masters; but the gold is dulled by age, and the frescoes are but dingy patches of what once was color.
frescoesnounUS /ˈfreskoʊz/
plural of “fresco” — a mural done with watercolors on wet plaster
From this reading The vaulted ceiling, divided into compartments by heavy panels, is profusely gilt, and painted in fresco by Venetian masters; but the gold is dulled by age, and the frescoes are but dingy patches of what once was color.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Turning to the right under an archway from the damp, moss-grown court over which the tower throws a perpetual shadow, a broad staircase, closed by a door of open ironwork, leads to the first story (the _piano nobile_).
giltadjectiveUS /ɡɪlt/
having the deep slightly brownish color of gold
From this reading The vaulted ceiling, divided into compartments by heavy panels, is profusely gilt, and painted in fresco by Venetian masters; but the gold is dulled by age, and the frescoes are but dingy patches of what once was color.
plural of “give” — the elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length
From this reading Here an anteroom, with Etruscan urns and fragments of mediaeval sculpture let into the walls, gives access to a great _sala_, or hall, where Paolo Guinigi entertained the citizens and magnates of Lucca with sumptuous hospitality.
coins made of gold
From this reading The vaulted ceiling, divided into compartments by heavy panels, is profusely gilt, and painted in fresco by Venetian masters; but the gold is dulled by age, and the frescoes are but dingy patches of what once was color.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Here an anteroom, with Etruscan urns and fragments of mediaeval sculpture let into the walls, gives access to a great _sala_, or hall, where Paolo Guinigi entertained the citizens and magnates of Lucca with sumptuous hospitality.
GUINIGI
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE MARCHESA GUINIGI.
Guinigi's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The stern and repulsive aspect of the exterior of the Marchesa Guinigi's palace belied the antique magnificence within.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading Here an anteroom, with Etruscan urns and fragments of mediaeval sculpture let into the walls, gives access to a great _sala_, or hall, where Paolo Guinigi entertained the citizens and magnates of Lucca with sumptuous hospitality.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading The vaulted ceiling, divided into compartments by heavy panels, is profusely gilt, and painted in fresco by Venetian masters; but the gold is dulled by age, and the frescoes are but dingy patches of what once was color.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Here an anteroom, with Etruscan urns and fragments of mediaeval sculpture let into the walls, gives access to a great _sala_, or hall, where Paolo Guinigi entertained the citizens and magnates of Lucca with sumptuous hospitality.
hospitalitynounUS /ˌhɑːspəˈtæləti/
kindness in welcoming guests or strangers
From this reading Here an anteroom, with Etruscan urns and fragments of mediaeval sculpture let into the walls, gives access to a great _sala_, or hall, where Paolo Guinigi entertained the citizens and magnates of Lucca with sumptuous hospitality.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The vaulted ceiling, divided into compartments by heavy panels, is profusely gilt, and painted in fresco by Venetian masters; but the gold is dulled by age, and the frescoes are but dingy patches of what once was color.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Here an anteroom, with Etruscan urns and fragments of mediaeval sculpture let into the walls, gives access to a great _sala_, or hall, where Paolo Guinigi entertained the citizens and magnates of Lucca with sumptuous hospitality.
ironworknoun
work made of iron (gratings or rails or railings etc)
From this reading Turning to the right under an archway from the damp, moss-grown court over which the tower throws a perpetual shadow, a broad staircase, closed by a door of open ironwork, leads to the first story (the _piano nobile_).
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The vaulted ceiling, divided into compartments by heavy panels, is profusely gilt, and painted in fresco by Venetian masters; but the gold is dulled by age, and the frescoes are but dingy patches of what once was color.
leadsnounUS /liːdz/
plural of “lead” — an advantage held by a competitor in a race
From this reading Turning to the right under an archway from the damp, moss-grown court over which the tower throws a perpetual shadow, a broad staircase, closed by a door of open ironwork, leads to the first story (the _piano nobile_).
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading Here an anteroom, with Etruscan urns and fragments of mediaeval sculpture let into the walls, gives access to a great _sala_, or hall, where Paolo Guinigi entertained the citizens and magnates of Lucca with sumptuous hospitality.
Lucca
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here an anteroom, with Etruscan urns and fragments of mediaeval sculpture let into the walls, gives access to a great _sala_, or hall, where Paolo Guinigi entertained the citizens and magnates of Lucca with sumptuous hospitality.
magnatesnounUS /ˈmæɡneɪts/
plural of “magnate” — a very wealthy or powerful businessman
From this reading Here an anteroom, with Etruscan urns and fragments of mediaeval sculpture let into the walls, gives access to a great _sala_, or hall, where Paolo Guinigi entertained the citizens and magnates of Lucca with sumptuous hospitality.
magnificencenoun
splendid or imposing in size or appearance
From this reading The stern and repulsive aspect of the exterior of the Marchesa Guinigi's palace belied the antique magnificence within.
MARCHESA
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE MARCHESA GUINIGI.
United States poet (1869-1950)
From this reading The vaulted ceiling, divided into compartments by heavy panels, is profusely gilt, and painted in fresco by Venetian masters; but the gold is dulled by age, and the frescoes are but dingy patches of what once was color.
mediaevaladjective
relating to or belonging to the Middle Ages
From this reading Here an anteroom, with Etruscan urns and fragments of mediaeval sculpture let into the walls, gives access to a great _sala_, or hall, where Paolo Guinigi entertained the citizens and magnates of Lucca with sumptuous hospitality.
moss-grownadjective
overgrown with moss
From this reading Turning to the right under an archway from the damp, moss-grown court over which the tower throws a perpetual shadow, a broad staircase, closed by a door of open ironwork, leads to the first story (the _piano nobile_).
nobile
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Turning to the right under an archway from the damp, moss-grown court over which the tower throws a perpetual shadow, a broad staircase, closed by a door of open ironwork, leads to the first story (the _piano nobile_).
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The stern and repulsive aspect of the exterior of the Marchesa Guinigi's palace belied the antique magnificence within.
on one occasion
From this reading The vaulted ceiling, divided into compartments by heavy panels, is profusely gilt, and painted in fresco by Venetian masters; but the gold is dulled by age, and the frescoes are but dingy patches of what once was color.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading Turning to the right under an archway from the damp, moss-grown court over which the tower throws a perpetual shadow, a broad staircase, closed by a door of open ironwork, leads to the first story (the _piano nobile_).
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Here an anteroom, with Etruscan urns and fragments of mediaeval sculpture let into the walls, gives access to a great _sala_, or hall, where Paolo Guinigi entertained the citizens and magnates of Lucca with sumptuous hospitality.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Turning to the right under an archway from the damp, moss-grown court over which the tower throws a perpetual shadow, a broad staircase, closed by a door of open ironwork, leads to the first story (the _piano nobile_).
coated with paint
From this reading The vaulted ceiling, divided into compartments by heavy panels, is profusely gilt, and painted in fresco by Venetian masters; but the gold is dulled by age, and the frescoes are but dingy patches of what once was color.
a large and stately mansion
From this reading The stern and repulsive aspect of the exterior of the Marchesa Guinigi's palace belied the antique magnificence within.
panelsnounUS /ˈpænəlz/
plural of “panel” — sheet that forms a distinct (usually flat and rectangular) section or component of something
From this reading The vaulted ceiling, divided into compartments by heavy panels, is profusely gilt, and painted in fresco by Venetian masters; but the gold is dulled by age, and the frescoes are but dingy patches of what once was color.
Paolo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here an anteroom, with Etruscan urns and fragments of mediaeval sculpture let into the walls, gives access to a great _sala_, or hall, where Paolo Guinigi entertained the citizens and magnates of Lucca with sumptuous hospitality.
patchesnounUS /ˈpætʃəz/
plural of “patch” — a small contrasting part of something
From this reading The vaulted ceiling, divided into compartments by heavy panels, is profusely gilt, and painted in fresco by Venetian masters; but the gold is dulled by age, and the frescoes are but dingy patches of what once was color.
perpetualadjectiveUS /pərˈpetʃuːəl/
continuing forever or indefinitely
From this reading Turning to the right under an archway from the damp, moss-grown court over which the tower throws a perpetual shadow, a broad staircase, closed by a door of open ironwork, leads to the first story (the _piano nobile_).
pianonounUS /piˈænoʊ/
a keyboard instrument that is played by depressing keys that cause hammers to strike tuned strings and produce sounds
From this reading Turning to the right under an archway from the damp, moss-grown court over which the tower throws a perpetual shadow, a broad staircase, closed by a door of open ironwork, leads to the first story (the _piano nobile_).
profuselyadverbUS /prəˈfjuːsli/
in an abundant manner
From this reading The vaulted ceiling, divided into compartments by heavy panels, is profusely gilt, and painted in fresco by Venetian masters; but the gold is dulled by age, and the frescoes are but dingy patches of what once was color.
repulsiveadjectiveUS /riˈpʌlsɪv/
offensive to the mind
From this reading The stern and repulsive aspect of the exterior of the Marchesa Guinigi's palace belied the antique magnificence within.
precisely, exactly
From this reading Turning to the right under an archway from the damp, moss-grown court over which the tower throws a perpetual shadow, a broad staircase, closed by a door of open ironwork, leads to the first story (the _piano nobile_).
sala
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here an anteroom, with Etruscan urns and fragments of mediaeval sculpture let into the walls, gives access to a great _sala_, or hall, where Paolo Guinigi entertained the citizens and magnates of Lucca with sumptuous hospitality.
sculpturenounUS /ˈskʌlptʃər/
a three-dimensional work of plastic art
From this reading Here an anteroom, with Etruscan urns and fragments of mediaeval sculpture let into the walls, gives access to a great _sala_, or hall, where Paolo Guinigi entertained the citizens and magnates of Lucca with sumptuous hospitality.
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading Turning to the right under an archway from the damp, moss-grown court over which the tower throws a perpetual shadow, a broad staircase, closed by a door of open ironwork, leads to the first story (the _piano nobile_).
a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps
From this reading Turning to the right under an archway from the damp, moss-grown court over which the tower throws a perpetual shadow, a broad staircase, closed by a door of open ironwork, leads to the first story (the _piano nobile_).
sternadjectiveUS /stɜːrn/
of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
From this reading The stern and repulsive aspect of the exterior of the Marchesa Guinigi's palace belied the antique magnificence within.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading Turning to the right under an archway from the damp, moss-grown court over which the tower throws a perpetual shadow, a broad staircase, closed by a door of open ironwork, leads to the first story (the _piano nobile_).
sumptuousadjectiveUS /ˈsʌmptʃwəs/
ostentatiously rich and superior in quality
From this reading Here an anteroom, with Etruscan urns and fragments of mediaeval sculpture let into the walls, gives access to a great _sala_, or hall, where Paolo Guinigi entertained the citizens and magnates of Lucca with sumptuous hospitality.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE MARCHESA GUINIGI.
throwsnounUS /θroʊz/
plural of “throw” — the act of throwing (propelling something with a rapid movement of the arm and wrist)
From this reading Turning to the right under an archway from the damp, moss-grown court over which the tower throws a perpetual shadow, a broad staircase, closed by a door of open ironwork, leads to the first story (the _piano nobile_).
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Turning to the right under an archway from the damp, moss-grown court over which the tower throws a perpetual shadow, a broad staircase, closed by a door of open ironwork, leads to the first story (the _piano nobile_).
a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building
From this reading Turning to the right under an archway from the damp, moss-grown court over which the tower throws a perpetual shadow, a broad staircase, closed by a door of open ironwork, leads to the first story (the _piano nobile_).
the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course
From this reading Turning to the right under an archway from the damp, moss-grown court over which the tower throws a perpetual shadow, a broad staircase, closed by a door of open ironwork, leads to the first story (the _piano nobile_).
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Turning to the right under an archway from the damp, moss-grown court over which the tower throws a perpetual shadow, a broad staircase, closed by a door of open ironwork, leads to the first story (the _piano nobile_).
urns
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here an anteroom, with Etruscan urns and fragments of mediaeval sculpture let into the walls, gives access to a great _sala_, or hall, where Paolo Guinigi entertained the citizens and magnates of Lucca with sumptuous hospitality.
vaultedadjectiveUS /ˈvɔːltɪd/
having a hemispherical vault or dome
From this reading The vaulted ceiling, divided into compartments by heavy panels, is profusely gilt, and painted in fresco by Venetian masters; but the gold is dulled by age, and the frescoes are but dingy patches of what once was color.
VenetiannounUS /vəˈniːʃən/
a resident of Venice
From this reading The vaulted ceiling, divided into compartments by heavy panels, is profusely gilt, and painted in fresco by Venetian masters; but the gold is dulled by age, and the frescoes are but dingy patches of what once was color.
plural of “wall” — 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 Here an anteroom, with Etruscan urns and fragments of mediaeval sculpture let into the walls, gives access to a great _sala_, or hall, where Paolo Guinigi entertained the citizens and magnates of Lucca with sumptuous hospitality.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The vaulted ceiling, divided into compartments by heavy panels, is profusely gilt, and painted in fresco by Venetian masters; but the gold is dulled by age, and the frescoes are but dingy patches of what once was color.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading The vaulted ceiling, divided into compartments by heavy panels, is profusely gilt, and painted in fresco by Venetian masters; but the gold is dulled by age, and the frescoes are but dingy patches of what once was color.
in or at the place that
From this reading Here an anteroom, with Etruscan urns and fragments of mediaeval sculpture let into the walls, gives access to a great _sala_, or hall, where Paolo Guinigi entertained the citizens and magnates of Lucca with sumptuous hospitality.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Turning to the right under an archway from the damp, moss-grown court over which the tower throws a perpetual shadow, a broad staircase, closed by a door of open ironwork, leads to the first story (the _piano nobile_).
in the company of; together with
From this reading Here an anteroom, with Etruscan urns and fragments of mediaeval sculpture let into the walls, gives access to a great _sala_, or hall, where Paolo Guinigi entertained the citizens and magnates of Lucca with sumptuous hospitality.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading The stern and repulsive aspect of the exterior of the Marchesa Guinigi's palace belied the antique magnificence within.
