used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The scene which opened upon Reuben’s eyes was like a vista of fairyland.
(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 Here all light was concentrated--light which fell from beneath ruby shades at the summits of tall candles, and softened the dazzling whiteness of the linen, mellowed the burnished gleam of the silver plate, reflected itself in tender, prismatic hues from the facets of the cut-glass decanters.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The dark panelled room, with its dim suggestions of gold frames and heavy curtains, and its background of palms and oleanders, contributed with the reticence of richness to the glowing splendor of the table in its centre.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Here all light was concentrated--light which fell from beneath ruby shades at the summits of tall candles, and softened the dazzling whiteness of the linen, mellowed the burnished gleam of the silver plate, reflected itself in tender, prismatic hues from the facets of the cut-glass decanters.
backgroundnounUS /ˈbækɡraʊnd/
a person's social heritage: previous experience or training
From this reading The dark panelled room, with its dim suggestions of gold frames and heavy curtains, and its background of palms and oleanders, contributed with the reticence of richness to the glowing splendor of the table in its centre.
Directly under; in or to a lower position than.
From this reading Here all light was concentrated--light which fell from beneath ruby shades at the summits of tall candles, and softened the dazzling whiteness of the linen, mellowed the burnished gleam of the silver plate, reflected itself in tender, prismatic hues from the facets of the cut-glass decanters.
blendedadjectiveUS /ˈblendɪd/
combined or mixed together so that the constituent parts are indistinguishable
From this reading There were flowers here which gave forth still the blended fragrance of their hot-house home, and fragile, painted china, and all the nameless things of luxury which can make the breaking of bread a poem.
food made from dough of flour or meal and usually raised with yeast or baking powder and then baked
From this reading There were flowers here which gave forth still the blended fragrance of their hot-house home, and fragile, painted china, and all the nameless things of luxury which can make the breaking of bread a poem.
the act of breaking something
From this reading There were flowers here which gave forth still the blended fragrance of their hot-house home, and fragile, painted china, and all the nameless things of luxury which can make the breaking of bread a poem.
burnishedadjectiveUS /ˈbɜːrnɪʃt/
made smooth and bright by or as if by rubbing; reflecting a sheen or glow
From this reading Here all light was concentrated--light which fell from beneath ruby shades at the summits of tall candles, and softened the dazzling whiteness of the linen, mellowed the burnished gleam of the silver plate, reflected itself in tender, prismatic hues from the facets of the cut-glass decanters.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading There were flowers here which gave forth still the blended fragrance of their hot-house home, and fragile, painted china, and all the nameless things of luxury which can make the breaking of bread a poem.
candlesnounUS /ˈkændəlz/
plural of “candle” — stick of wax with a wick in the middle
From this reading Here all light was concentrated--light which fell from beneath ruby shades at the summits of tall candles, and softened the dazzling whiteness of the linen, mellowed the burnished gleam of the silver plate, reflected itself in tender, prismatic hues from the facets of the cut-glass decanters.
a low-lying region in central France
From this reading The dark panelled room, with its dim suggestions of gold frames and heavy curtains, and its background of palms and oleanders, contributed with the reticence of richness to the glowing splendor of the table in its centre.
chinanounUS /ˈtʃaɪnə/
a communist nation that covers a vast territory in eastern Asia; the most populous country in the world
From this reading There were flowers here which gave forth still the blended fragrance of their hot-house home, and fragile, painted china, and all the nameless things of luxury which can make the breaking of bread a poem.
concentratedadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːnsəntreɪtɪd/
gathered together or made less diffuse
From this reading Here all light was concentrated--light which fell from beneath ruby shades at the summits of tall candles, and softened the dazzling whiteness of the linen, mellowed the burnished gleam of the silver plate, reflected itself in tender, prismatic hues from the facets of the cut-glass decanters.
contributedverbUS /kənˈtrɪbjuːtɪd/
past form of “contribute” — bestow a quality on
From this reading The dark panelled room, with its dim suggestions of gold frames and heavy curtains, and its background of palms and oleanders, contributed with the reticence of richness to the glowing splendor of the table in its centre.
curtainsnounUS /ˈkɜːrtənz/
plural of “curtain” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)
From this reading The dark panelled room, with its dim suggestions of gold frames and heavy curtains, and its background of palms and oleanders, contributed with the reticence of richness to the glowing splendor of the table in its centre.
cut-glass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here all light was concentrated--light which fell from beneath ruby shades at the summits of tall candles, and softened the dazzling whiteness of the linen, mellowed the burnished gleam of the silver plate, reflected itself in tender, prismatic hues from the facets of the cut-glass decanters.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading The dark panelled room, with its dim suggestions of gold frames and heavy curtains, and its background of palms and oleanders, contributed with the reticence of richness to the glowing splendor of the table in its centre.
dazzlingadjectiveUS /ˈdæzəlɪŋ/
amazingly impressive; suggestive of the flashing of lightning
From this reading Here all light was concentrated--light which fell from beneath ruby shades at the summits of tall candles, and softened the dazzling whiteness of the linen, mellowed the burnished gleam of the silver plate, reflected itself in tender, prismatic hues from the facets of the cut-glass decanters.
decanters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here all light was concentrated--light which fell from beneath ruby shades at the summits of tall candles, and softened the dazzling whiteness of the linen, mellowed the burnished gleam of the silver plate, reflected itself in tender, prismatic hues from the facets of the cut-glass decanters.
lacking in light; not bright or harsh
From this reading The dark panelled room, with its dim suggestions of gold frames and heavy curtains, and its background of palms and oleanders, contributed with the reticence of richness to the glowing splendor of the table in its centre.
dimlyadverbUS /ˈdɪmli/
in a dim indistinct manner
From this reading Reuben had seen something dimly resembling this in New York once or twice at semi-public dinners.
dinnersnounUS /ˈdɪnərz/
plural of “dinner” — the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading Reuben had seen something dimly resembling this in New York once or twice at semi-public dinners.
opinion or judgment
From this reading The scene which opened upon Reuben’s eyes was like a vista of fairyland.
facetsnounUS /ˈfæsəts/
plural of “facet” — a distinct feature or element in a problem
From this reading Here all light was concentrated--light which fell from beneath ruby shades at the summits of tall candles, and softened the dazzling whiteness of the linen, mellowed the burnished gleam of the silver plate, reflected itself in tender, prismatic hues from the facets of the cut-glass decanters.
fairylandnounUS /ˈferilænd/
something existing solely in the imagination (but often mistaken for reality)
From this reading The scene which opened upon Reuben’s eyes was like a vista of fairyland.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading Here all light was concentrated--light which fell from beneath ruby shades at the summits of tall candles, and softened the dazzling whiteness of the linen, mellowed the burnished gleam of the silver plate, reflected itself in tender, prismatic hues from the facets of the cut-glass decanters.
plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms
From this reading There were flowers here which gave forth still the blended fragrance of their hot-house home, and fragile, painted china, and all the nameless things of luxury which can make the breaking of bread a poem.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading There were flowers here which gave forth still the blended fragrance of their hot-house home, and fragile, painted china, and all the nameless things of luxury which can make the breaking of bread a poem.
fragileadjectiveUS /ˈfrædʒəl/
easily broken or damaged or destroyed
From this reading There were flowers here which gave forth still the blended fragrance of their hot-house home, and fragile, painted china, and all the nameless things of luxury which can make the breaking of bread a poem.
fragrancenounUS /ˈfreɪɡrəns/
a distinctive odor that is pleasant
From this reading There were flowers here which gave forth still the blended fragrance of their hot-house home, and fragile, painted china, and all the nameless things of luxury which can make the breaking of bread a poem.
framesnounUS /freɪmz/
plural of “frame” — the framework for a pair of eyeglasses
From this reading The dark panelled room, with its dim suggestions of gold frames and heavy curtains, and its background of palms and oleanders, contributed with the reticence of richness to the glowing splendor of the table in its centre.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Here all light was concentrated--light which fell from beneath ruby shades at the summits of tall candles, and softened the dazzling whiteness of the linen, mellowed the burnished gleam of the silver plate, reflected itself in tender, prismatic hues from the facets of the cut-glass decanters.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading There were flowers here which gave forth still the blended fragrance of their hot-house home, and fragile, painted china, and all the nameless things of luxury which can make the breaking of bread a poem.
gleamverbUS /ɡliːm/
be shiny, as if wet
From this reading Here all light was concentrated--light which fell from beneath ruby shades at the summits of tall candles, and softened the dazzling whiteness of the linen, mellowed the burnished gleam of the silver plate, reflected itself in tender, prismatic hues from the facets of the cut-glass decanters.
glowingadjectiveUS /ˈɡloʊɪŋ/
highly enthusiastic
From this reading The dark panelled room, with its dim suggestions of gold frames and heavy curtains, and its background of palms and oleanders, contributed with the reticence of richness to the glowing splendor of the table in its centre.
coins made of gold
From this reading The dark panelled room, with its dim suggestions of gold frames and heavy curtains, and its background of palms and oleanders, contributed with the reticence of richness to the glowing splendor of the table in its centre.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Reuben had seen something dimly resembling this in New York once or twice at semi-public dinners.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading The dark panelled room, with its dim suggestions of gold frames and heavy curtains, and its background of palms and oleanders, contributed with the reticence of richness to the glowing splendor of the table in its centre.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Here all light was concentrated--light which fell from beneath ruby shades at the summits of tall candles, and softened the dazzling whiteness of the linen, mellowed the burnished gleam of the silver plate, reflected itself in tender, prismatic hues from the facets of the cut-glass decanters.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading There were flowers here which gave forth still the blended fragrance of their hot-house home, and fragile, painted china, and all the nameless things of luxury which can make the breaking of bread a poem.
hot-house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were flowers here which gave forth still the blended fragrance of their hot-house home, and fragile, painted china, and all the nameless things of luxury which can make the breaking of bread a poem.
huesnounUS /hjuːz/
plural of “hue” — the quality of a color as determined by its dominant wavelength
From this reading Here all light was concentrated--light which fell from beneath ruby shades at the summits of tall candles, and softened the dazzling whiteness of the linen, mellowed the burnished gleam of the silver plate, reflected itself in tender, prismatic hues from the facets of the cut-glass decanters.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The dark panelled room, with its dim suggestions of gold frames and heavy curtains, and its background of palms and oleanders, contributed with the reticence of richness to the glowing splendor of the table in its centre.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The dark panelled room, with its dim suggestions of gold frames and heavy curtains, and its background of palms and oleanders, contributed with the reticence of richness to the glowing splendor of the table in its centre.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading Here all light was concentrated--light which fell from beneath ruby shades at the summits of tall candles, and softened the dazzling whiteness of the linen, mellowed the burnished gleam of the silver plate, reflected itself in tender, prismatic hues from the facets of the cut-glass decanters.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading Here all light was concentrated--light which fell from beneath ruby shades at the summits of tall candles, and softened the dazzling whiteness of the linen, mellowed the burnished gleam of the silver plate, reflected itself in tender, prismatic hues from the facets of the cut-glass decanters.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading The scene which opened upon Reuben’s eyes was like a vista of fairyland.
linennounUS /ˈlɪnən/
a fabric woven with fibers from the flax plant
From this reading Here all light was concentrated--light which fell from beneath ruby shades at the summits of tall candles, and softened the dazzling whiteness of the linen, mellowed the burnished gleam of the silver plate, reflected itself in tender, prismatic hues from the facets of the cut-glass decanters.
luxurynounUS /ˈlʌɡʒəri/
something that is an indulgence rather than a necessity
From this reading There were flowers here which gave forth still the blended fragrance of their hot-house home, and fragile, painted china, and all the nameless things of luxury which can make the breaking of bread a poem.
engage in
From this reading There were flowers here which gave forth still the blended fragrance of their hot-house home, and fragile, painted china, and all the nameless things of luxury which can make the breaking of bread a poem.
mellowedadjectiveUS /ˈmeloʊd/
having a full and pleasing flavor through proper aging
From this reading Here all light was concentrated--light which fell from beneath ruby shades at the summits of tall candles, and softened the dazzling whiteness of the linen, mellowed the burnished gleam of the silver plate, reflected itself in tender, prismatic hues from the facets of the cut-glass decanters.
namelessadjectiveUS /ˈneɪm.ləs/
Having no name, or having a name that is kept secret or unknown.
From this reading There were flowers here which gave forth still the blended fragrance of their hot-house home, and fragile, painted china, and all the nameless things of luxury which can make the breaking of bread a poem.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading Reuben had seen something dimly resembling this in New York once or twice at semi-public dinners.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The scene which opened upon Reuben’s eyes was like a vista of fairyland.
oleanders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The dark panelled room, with its dim suggestions of gold frames and heavy curtains, and its background of palms and oleanders, contributed with the reticence of richness to the glowing splendor of the table in its centre.
on one occasion
From this reading Reuben had seen something dimly resembling this in New York once or twice at semi-public dinners.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading The scene which opened upon Reuben’s eyes was like a vista of fairyland.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Reuben had seen something dimly resembling this in New York once or twice at semi-public dinners.
coated with paint
From this reading There were flowers here which gave forth still the blended fragrance of their hot-house home, and fragile, painted china, and all the nameless things of luxury which can make the breaking of bread a poem.
palmsnounUS /pɑːmz/
plural of “palm” — the inner surface of the hand from the wrist to the base of the fingers
From this reading The dark panelled room, with its dim suggestions of gold frames and heavy curtains, and its background of palms and oleanders, contributed with the reticence of richness to the glowing splendor of the table in its centre.
panelled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The dark panelled room, with its dim suggestions of gold frames and heavy curtains, and its background of palms and oleanders, contributed with the reticence of richness to the glowing splendor of the table in its centre.
(baseball) base consisting of a rubber slab where the batter stands; it must be touched by a base runner in order to score
From this reading Here all light was concentrated--light which fell from beneath ruby shades at the summits of tall candles, and softened the dazzling whiteness of the linen, mellowed the burnished gleam of the silver plate, reflected itself in tender, prismatic hues from the facets of the cut-glass decanters.
a composition written in metrical feet forming rhythmical lines
From this reading There were flowers here which gave forth still the blended fragrance of their hot-house home, and fragile, painted china, and all the nameless things of luxury which can make the breaking of bread a poem.
prismaticadjectiveUS /prɪzˈmætɪk/
of or relating to or resembling or constituting a prism
From this reading Here all light was concentrated--light which fell from beneath ruby shades at the summits of tall candles, and softened the dazzling whiteness of the linen, mellowed the burnished gleam of the silver plate, reflected itself in tender, prismatic hues from the facets of the cut-glass decanters.
(especially of incident sound or light) bent or sent back
From this reading Here all light was concentrated--light which fell from beneath ruby shades at the summits of tall candles, and softened the dazzling whiteness of the linen, mellowed the burnished gleam of the silver plate, reflected itself in tender, prismatic hues from the facets of the cut-glass decanters.
resemblingverbUS /rɪˈzembəlɪŋ/
-ing form of “resemble” — appear like; be similar or bear a likeness to
From this reading Reuben had seen something dimly resembling this in New York once or twice at semi-public dinners.
reticencenounUS /ˈretɪsəns/
the trait of being uncommunicative; not volunteering anything more than necessary
From this reading The dark panelled room, with its dim suggestions of gold frames and heavy curtains, and its background of palms and oleanders, contributed with the reticence of richness to the glowing splendor of the table in its centre.
ReubennounUS /ˈruːbən/
(Old Testment) a son of Jacob and forefather of one of the tribes of Israel
From this reading Reuben had seen something dimly resembling this in New York once or twice at semi-public dinners.
Reuben's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The scene which opened upon Reuben’s eyes was like a vista of fairyland.
richnessnounUS /ˈrɪtʃnəs/
the property of being extremely abundant
From this reading The dark panelled room, with its dim suggestions of gold frames and heavy curtains, and its background of palms and oleanders, contributed with the reticence of richness to the glowing splendor of the table in its centre.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading The dark panelled room, with its dim suggestions of gold frames and heavy curtains, and its background of palms and oleanders, contributed with the reticence of richness to the glowing splendor of the table in its centre.
rubynounUS /ˈruːbi/
a transparent piece of ruby that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
From this reading Here all light was concentrated--light which fell from beneath ruby shades at the summits of tall candles, and softened the dazzling whiteness of the linen, mellowed the burnished gleam of the silver plate, reflected itself in tender, prismatic hues from the facets of the cut-glass decanters.
the place where some action occurs
From this reading The scene which opened upon Reuben’s eyes was like a vista of fairyland.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Reuben had seen something dimly resembling this in New York once or twice at semi-public dinners.
semi-public
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Reuben had seen something dimly resembling this in New York once or twice at semi-public dinners.
shadesnounUS /ʃeɪdz/
(plural) something that reminds you of someone or something
From this reading Here all light was concentrated--light which fell from beneath ruby shades at the summits of tall candles, and softened the dazzling whiteness of the linen, mellowed the burnished gleam of the silver plate, reflected itself in tender, prismatic hues from the facets of the cut-glass decanters.
a soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal; occurs in argentite and in free form; used in coins and jewelry and tableware and photography
From this reading Here all light was concentrated--light which fell from beneath ruby shades at the summits of tall candles, and softened the dazzling whiteness of the linen, mellowed the burnished gleam of the silver plate, reflected itself in tender, prismatic hues from the facets of the cut-glass decanters.
softenedadjectiveUS /ˈsɔːfənd/
toned down
From this reading Here all light was concentrated--light which fell from beneath ruby shades at the summits of tall candles, and softened the dazzling whiteness of the linen, mellowed the burnished gleam of the silver plate, reflected itself in tender, prismatic hues from the facets of the cut-glass decanters.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Reuben had seen something dimly resembling this in New York once or twice at semi-public dinners.
splendornounUS /ˈsplen.dər/
Magnificent and splendid appearance; grandeur and brilliance.
From this reading The dark panelled room, with its dim suggestions of gold frames and heavy curtains, and its background of palms and oleanders, contributed with the reticence of richness to the glowing splendor of the table in its centre.
not in physical motion
From this reading There were flowers here which gave forth still the blended fragrance of their hot-house home, and fragile, painted china, and all the nameless things of luxury which can make the breaking of bread a poem.
suggestionsnounUS /səˈdʒestʃənz/
plural of “suggestion” — an idea that is suggested
From this reading The dark panelled room, with its dim suggestions of gold frames and heavy curtains, and its background of palms and oleanders, contributed with the reticence of richness to the glowing splendor of the table in its centre.
summitsnounUS /ˈsʌmɪts/
plural of “summit” — the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
From this reading Here all light was concentrated--light which fell from beneath ruby shades at the summits of tall candles, and softened the dazzling whiteness of the linen, mellowed the burnished gleam of the silver plate, reflected itself in tender, prismatic hues from the facets of the cut-glass decanters.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading The dark panelled room, with its dim suggestions of gold frames and heavy curtains, and its background of palms and oleanders, contributed with the reticence of richness to the glowing splendor of the table in its centre.
great in vertical dimension; high in stature
From this reading Here all light was concentrated--light which fell from beneath ruby shades at the summits of tall candles, and softened the dazzling whiteness of the linen, mellowed the burnished gleam of the silver plate, reflected itself in tender, prismatic hues from the facets of the cut-glass decanters.
given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality
From this reading Here all light was concentrated--light which fell from beneath ruby shades at the summits of tall candles, and softened the dazzling whiteness of the linen, mellowed the burnished gleam of the silver plate, reflected itself in tender, prismatic hues from the facets of the cut-glass decanters.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The scene which opened upon Reuben’s eyes was like a vista of fairyland.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading There were flowers here which gave forth still the blended fragrance of their hot-house home, and fragile, painted china, and all the nameless things of luxury which can make the breaking of bread a poem.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There were flowers here which gave forth still the blended fragrance of their hot-house home, and fragile, painted china, and all the nameless things of luxury which can make the breaking of bread a poem.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading There were flowers here which gave forth still the blended fragrance of their hot-house home, and fragile, painted china, and all the nameless things of luxury which can make the breaking of bread a poem.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Reuben had seen something dimly resembling this in New York once or twice at semi-public dinners.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The dark panelled room, with its dim suggestions of gold frames and heavy curtains, and its background of palms and oleanders, contributed with the reticence of richness to the glowing splendor of the table in its centre.
two times
From this reading Reuben had seen something dimly resembling this in New York once or twice at semi-public dinners.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The scene which opened upon Reuben’s eyes was like a vista of fairyland.
vistanounUS /ˈvɪstə/
the visual percept of a region
From this reading The scene which opened upon Reuben’s eyes was like a vista of fairyland.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The scene which opened upon Reuben’s eyes was like a vista of fairyland.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There were flowers here which gave forth still the blended fragrance of their hot-house home, and fragile, painted china, and all the nameless things of luxury which can make the breaking of bread a poem.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The scene which opened upon Reuben’s eyes was like a vista of fairyland.
whitenessnounUS /ˈwaɪtnəs/
the quality or state of the achromatic color of greatest lightness (bearing the least resemblance to black)
From this reading Here all light was concentrated--light which fell from beneath ruby shades at the summits of tall candles, and softened the dazzling whiteness of the linen, mellowed the burnished gleam of the silver plate, reflected itself in tender, prismatic hues from the facets of the cut-glass decanters.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The dark panelled room, with its dim suggestions of gold frames and heavy curtains, and its background of palms and oleanders, contributed with the reticence of richness to the glowing splendor of the table in its centre.
the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose
From this reading Reuben had seen something dimly resembling this in New York once or twice at semi-public dinners.
