used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading After this there ensued a brief pause in the history of the family in all its branches: it was a pause ominous, significant--like the momentary hush before a storm, or the torrent's smoothness ere it dashes below.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading It seemed to stand in a silence that could be felt, throwing up its turrets against the dull sky--a foreboding about it which could not be shaken off.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After this there ensued a brief pause in the history of the family in all its branches: it was a pause ominous, significant--like the momentary hush before a storm, or the torrent's smoothness ere it dashes below.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading It seemed to stand in a silence that could be felt, throwing up its turrets against the dull sky--a foreboding about it which could not be shaken off.
(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 After this there ensued a brief pause in the history of the family in all its branches: it was a pause ominous, significant--like the momentary hush before a storm, or the torrent's smoothness ere it dashes below.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The house of Lindores was like a besieged stronghold, mined, and on the eve of explosion.
at or in or to any place
From this reading Trains were laid in all directions under its doomed bastions, and the merest breath, a flash of lightning, a touch of electricity anywhere, would be enough to bring down its defences in thunders of ruin.
assaultsnounUS /əˈsɔːlts/
plural of “assault” — close fighting during the culmination of a military attack
From this reading From every side assaults were preparing.
bastionsnounUS /ˈbæstʃənz/
plural of “bastion” — a group that defends a principle
From this reading Trains were laid in all directions under its doomed bastions, and the merest breath, a flash of lightning, a touch of electricity anywhere, would be enough to bring down its defences in thunders of ruin.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Trains were laid in all directions under its doomed bastions, and the merest breath, a flash of lightning, a touch of electricity anywhere, would be enough to bring down its defences in thunders of ruin.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading After this there ensued a brief pause in the history of the family in all its branches: it was a pause ominous, significant--like the momentary hush before a storm, or the torrent's smoothness ere it dashes below.
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading After this there ensued a brief pause in the history of the family in all its branches: it was a pause ominous, significant--like the momentary hush before a storm, or the torrent's smoothness ere it dashes below.
besiegedadjectiveUS /bɪˈsiːdʒd/
surrounded by hostile forces
From this reading The house of Lindores was like a besieged stronghold, mined, and on the eve of explosion.
plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization
From this reading After this there ensued a brief pause in the history of the family in all its branches: it was a pause ominous, significant--like the momentary hush before a storm, or the torrent's smoothness ere it dashes below.
the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
From this reading Trains were laid in all directions under its doomed bastions, and the merest breath, a flash of lightning, a touch of electricity anywhere, would be enough to bring down its defences in thunders of ruin.
of short duration or distance
From this reading After this there ensued a brief pause in the history of the family in all its branches: it was a pause ominous, significant--like the momentary hush before a storm, or the torrent's smoothness ere it dashes below.
take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading Trains were laid in all directions under its doomed bastions, and the merest breath, a flash of lightning, a touch of electricity anywhere, would be enough to bring down its defences in thunders of ruin.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading It seemed to stand in a silence that could be felt, throwing up its turrets against the dull sky--a foreboding about it which could not be shaken off.
dashesnounUS /ˈdæʃɪz/
plural of “dash” — distinctive and stylish elegance
From this reading After this there ensued a brief pause in the history of the family in all its branches: it was a pause ominous, significant--like the momentary hush before a storm, or the torrent's smoothness ere it dashes below.
defences
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Trains were laid in all directions under its doomed bastions, and the merest breath, a flash of lightning, a touch of electricity anywhere, would be enough to bring down its defences in thunders of ruin.
plural of “direction” — a line leading to a place or point
From this reading Trains were laid in all directions under its doomed bastions, and the merest breath, a flash of lightning, a touch of electricity anywhere, would be enough to bring down its defences in thunders of ruin.
doomedadjectiveUS /duːmd/
marked for certain death
From this reading Trains were laid in all directions under its doomed bastions, and the merest breath, a flash of lightning, a touch of electricity anywhere, would be enough to bring down its defences in thunders of ruin.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Trains were laid in all directions under its doomed bastions, and the merest breath, a flash of lightning, a touch of electricity anywhere, would be enough to bring down its defences in thunders of ruin.
lacking in liveliness or animation
From this reading It seemed to stand in a silence that could be felt, throwing up its turrets against the dull sky--a foreboding about it which could not be shaken off.
electricitynounUS /ɪˌlekˈtrɪsəti/
a physical phenomenon associated with stationary or moving electrons and protons
From this reading Trains were laid in all directions under its doomed bastions, and the merest breath, a flash of lightning, a touch of electricity anywhere, would be enough to bring down its defences in thunders of ruin.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading Trains were laid in all directions under its doomed bastions, and the merest breath, a flash of lightning, a touch of electricity anywhere, would be enough to bring down its defences in thunders of ruin.
ensuedverbUS /ɪnˈsuːd/
past form of “ensue” — issue or terminate (in a specified way, state, etc.); end
From this reading After this there ensued a brief pause in the history of the family in all its branches: it was a pause ominous, significant--like the momentary hush before a storm, or the torrent's smoothness ere it dashes below.
an old word for “before”
From this reading After this there ensued a brief pause in the history of the family in all its branches: it was a pause ominous, significant--like the momentary hush before a storm, or the torrent's smoothness ere it dashes below.
(Old Testament) Adam's wife in Judeo-Christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; God created Eve from Adam's rib and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden
From this reading The house of Lindores was like a besieged stronghold, mined, and on the eve of explosion.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading From every side assaults were preparing.
explosionnounUS /ɪkˈsploʊʒən/
a violent release of energy caused by a chemical or nuclear reaction
From this reading The house of Lindores was like a besieged stronghold, mined, and on the eve of explosion.
a social unit living together
From this reading After this there ensued a brief pause in the history of the family in all its branches: it was a pause ominous, significant--like the momentary hush before a storm, or the torrent's smoothness ere it dashes below.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading It seemed to stand in a silence that could be felt, throwing up its turrets against the dull sky--a foreboding about it which could not be shaken off.
gleam or glow intermittently
From this reading Trains were laid in all directions under its doomed bastions, and the merest breath, a flash of lightning, a touch of electricity anywhere, would be enough to bring down its defences in thunders of ruin.
forebodingnounUS /fɔːrˈboʊdɪŋ/
a feeling of evil to come
From this reading It seemed to stand in a silence that could be felt, throwing up its turrets against the dull sky--a foreboding about it which could not be shaken off.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading From every side assaults were preparing.
the aggregate of past events
From this reading After this there ensued a brief pause in the history of the family in all its branches: it was a pause ominous, significant--like the momentary hush before a storm, or the torrent's smoothness ere it dashes below.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading The house of Lindores was like a besieged stronghold, mined, and on the eve of explosion.
become quiet or still; fall silent
From this reading After this there ensued a brief pause in the history of the family in all its branches: it was a pause ominous, significant--like the momentary hush before a storm, or the torrent's smoothness ere it dashes below.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading After this there ensued a brief pause in the history of the family in all its branches: it was a pause ominous, significant--like the momentary hush before a storm, or the torrent's smoothness ere it dashes below.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading After this there ensued a brief pause in the history of the family in all its branches: it was a pause ominous, significant--like the momentary hush before a storm, or the torrent's smoothness ere it dashes below.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading After this there ensued a brief pause in the history of the family in all its branches: it was a pause ominous, significant--like the momentary hush before a storm, or the torrent's smoothness ere it dashes below.
set down according to a plan
From this reading Trains were laid in all directions under its doomed bastions, and the merest breath, a flash of lightning, a touch of electricity anywhere, would be enough to bring down its defences in thunders of ruin.
abrupt electric discharge from cloud to cloud or from cloud to earth accompanied by the emission of light
From this reading Trains were laid in all directions under its doomed bastions, and the merest breath, a flash of lightning, a touch of electricity anywhere, would be enough to bring down its defences in thunders of ruin.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading After this there ensued a brief pause in the history of the family in all its branches: it was a pause ominous, significant--like the momentary hush before a storm, or the torrent's smoothness ere it dashes below.
Lindores
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The house of Lindores was like a besieged stronghold, mined, and on the eve of explosion.
merestadjectiveUS /ˈmerəst/
superlative of “mere” — being nothing more than specified
From this reading Trains were laid in all directions under its doomed bastions, and the merest breath, a flash of lightning, a touch of electricity anywhere, would be enough to bring down its defences in thunders of ruin.
minedadjectiveUS /maɪnd/
extracted from a source of supply as of minerals from the earth
From this reading The house of Lindores was like a besieged stronghold, mined, and on the eve of explosion.
momentaryadjectiveUS /ˈmoʊmənteri/
lasting for a markedly brief time
From this reading After this there ensued a brief pause in the history of the family in all its branches: it was a pause ominous, significant--like the momentary hush before a storm, or the torrent's smoothness ere it dashes below.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It seemed to stand in a silence that could be felt, throwing up its turrets against the dull sky--a foreboding about it which could not be shaken off.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading After this there ensued a brief pause in the history of the family in all its branches: it was a pause ominous, significant--like the momentary hush before a storm, or the torrent's smoothness ere it dashes below.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading It seemed to stand in a silence that could be felt, throwing up its turrets against the dull sky--a foreboding about it which could not be shaken off.
ominousadjectiveUS /ˈɑːmənəs/
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
From this reading After this there ensued a brief pause in the history of the family in all its branches: it was a pause ominous, significant--like the momentary hush before a storm, or the torrent's smoothness ere it dashes below.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The house of Lindores was like a besieged stronghold, mined, and on the eve of explosion.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading After this there ensued a brief pause in the history of the family in all its branches: it was a pause ominous, significant--like the momentary hush before a storm, or the torrent's smoothness ere it dashes below.
a time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something
From this reading After this there ensued a brief pause in the history of the family in all its branches: it was a pause ominous, significant--like the momentary hush before a storm, or the torrent's smoothness ere it dashes below.
preparingverbUS /priˈperɪŋ/
-ing form of “prepare” — make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc
From this reading From every side assaults were preparing.
an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction
From this reading Trains were laid in all directions under its doomed bastions, and the merest breath, a flash of lightning, a touch of electricity anywhere, would be enough to bring down its defences in thunders of ruin.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading It seemed to stand in a silence that could be felt, throwing up its turrets against the dull sky--a foreboding about it which could not be shaken off.
shakenadjectiveUS /ˈʃeɪkən/
disturbed psychologically as if by a physical jolt or shock
From this reading It seemed to stand in a silence that could be felt, throwing up its turrets against the dull sky--a foreboding about it which could not be shaken off.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading From every side assaults were preparing.
significantadjectiveUS /səɡˈnɪfɪkənt/
important in effect or meaning
From this reading After this there ensued a brief pause in the history of the family in all its branches: it was a pause ominous, significant--like the momentary hush before a storm, or the torrent's smoothness ere it dashes below.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading It seemed to stand in a silence that could be felt, throwing up its turrets against the dull sky--a foreboding about it which could not be shaken off.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading It seemed to stand in a silence that could be felt, throwing up its turrets against the dull sky--a foreboding about it which could not be shaken off.
smoothnessnounUS /ˈsmuːðnəs/
a texture without roughness; smooth to the touch
From this reading After this there ensued a brief pause in the history of the family in all its branches: it was a pause ominous, significant--like the momentary hush before a storm, or the torrent's smoothness ere it dashes below.
be standing; be upright
From this reading It seemed to stand in a silence that could be felt, throwing up its turrets against the dull sky--a foreboding about it which could not be shaken off.
behave violently, as if in state of a great anger
From this reading After this there ensued a brief pause in the history of the family in all its branches: it was a pause ominous, significant--like the momentary hush before a storm, or the torrent's smoothness ere it dashes below.
strongholdnounUS /ˈstrɔːŋhoʊld/
a strongly fortified defensive structure
From this reading The house of Lindores was like a besieged stronghold, mined, and on the eve of explosion.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It seemed to stand in a silence that could be felt, throwing up its turrets against the dull sky--a foreboding about it which could not be shaken off.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading After this there ensued a brief pause in the history of the family in all its branches: it was a pause ominous, significant--like the momentary hush before a storm, or the torrent's smoothness ere it dashes below.
in or at that place or location
From this reading After this there ensued a brief pause in the history of the family in all its branches: it was a pause ominous, significant--like the momentary hush before a storm, or the torrent's smoothness ere it dashes below.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading After this there ensued a brief pause in the history of the family in all its branches: it was a pause ominous, significant--like the momentary hush before a storm, or the torrent's smoothness ere it dashes below.
-ing form of “throw” — propel through the air
From this reading It seemed to stand in a silence that could be felt, throwing up its turrets against the dull sky--a foreboding about it which could not be shaken off.
thundersnounUS /ˈθʌndərz/
plural of “thunder” — a deep prolonged loud noise
From this reading Trains were laid in all directions under its doomed bastions, and the merest breath, a flash of lightning, a touch of electricity anywhere, would be enough to bring down its defences in thunders of ruin.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Trains were laid in all directions under its doomed bastions, and the merest breath, a flash of lightning, a touch of electricity anywhere, would be enough to bring down its defences in thunders of ruin.
torrent's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After this there ensued a brief pause in the history of the family in all its branches: it was a pause ominous, significant--like the momentary hush before a storm, or the torrent's smoothness ere it dashes below.
make physical contact with, come in contact with
From this reading Trains were laid in all directions under its doomed bastions, and the merest breath, a flash of lightning, a touch of electricity anywhere, would be enough to bring down its defences in thunders of ruin.
TrainsnounUS /treɪnz/
plural of “train” — public transport provided by a line of railway cars coupled together and drawn by a locomotive
From this reading Trains were laid in all directions under its doomed bastions, and the merest breath, a flash of lightning, a touch of electricity anywhere, would be enough to bring down its defences in thunders of ruin.
turretsnounUS /ˈtɜːrəts/
plural of “turret” — a small tower extending above a building
From this reading It seemed to stand in a silence that could be felt, throwing up its turrets against the dull sky--a foreboding about it which could not be shaken off.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Trains were laid in all directions under its doomed bastions, and the merest breath, a flash of lightning, a touch of electricity anywhere, would be enough to bring down its defences in thunders of ruin.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading It seemed to stand in a silence that could be felt, throwing up its turrets against the dull sky--a foreboding about it which could not be shaken off.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading After this there ensued a brief pause in the history of the family in all its branches: it was a pause ominous, significant--like the momentary hush before a storm, or the torrent's smoothness ere it dashes below.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Trains were laid in all directions under its doomed bastions, and the merest breath, a flash of lightning, a touch of electricity anywhere, would be enough to bring down its defences in thunders of ruin.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It seemed to stand in a silence that could be felt, throwing up its turrets against the dull sky--a foreboding about it which could not be shaken off.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Trains were laid in all directions under its doomed bastions, and the merest breath, a flash of lightning, a touch of electricity anywhere, would be enough to bring down its defences in thunders of ruin.
