used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading WHEN SPRING CAME BACK Through January and February the temperature fell lower and lower, and winter, like a white, constricting monster, bound the forest country in tighter embrace.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading WHEN SPRING CAME BACK Through January and February the temperature fell lower and lower, and winter, like a white, constricting monster, bound the forest country in tighter embrace.
astonishinglyadverbUS /əˈstɑːnɪʃɪŋli/
in an amazing manner; to everyone's surprise
From this reading The two policemen continued to live in their cave, and while Dexter grew thin and gaunt with the privations of the passing months, the convalescent Devreaux, astonishingly, began to pick up in weight and strength.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The gray specter of famine walked through the wilderness, reaching here and there and everywhere with a blighting touch of death, threatening at the last to take off the surviving creatures of the coverts and runways, that still tried so hard to live.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading WHEN SPRING CAME BACK Through January and February the temperature fell lower and lower, and winter, like a white, constricting monster, bound the forest country in tighter embrace.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The sun swung gradually northward, and the silvery pale rays changed to gold; for a few minutes at noon-day a faint warmth might be felt, and water dripped from the snow-laden trees.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading The two policemen continued to live in their cave, and while Dexter grew thin and gaunt with the privations of the passing months, the convalescent Devreaux, astonishingly, began to pick up in weight and strength.
blighting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The gray specter of famine walked through the wilderness, reaching here and there and everywhere with a blighting touch of death, threatening at the last to take off the surviving creatures of the coverts and runways, that still tried so hard to live.
confined by bonds
From this reading WHEN SPRING CAME BACK Through January and February the temperature fell lower and lower, and winter, like a white, constricting monster, bound the forest country in tighter embrace.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading WHEN SPRING CAME BACK Through January and February the temperature fell lower and lower, and winter, like a white, constricting monster, bound the forest country in tighter embrace.
a geological formation consisting of an underground enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea
From this reading The two policemen continued to live in their cave, and while Dexter grew thin and gaunt with the privations of the passing months, the convalescent Devreaux, astonishingly, began to pick up in weight and strength.
made or become different in nature or form
From this reading The sun swung gradually northward, and the silvery pale rays changed to gold; for a few minutes at noon-day a faint warmth might be felt, and water dripped from the snow-laden trees.
rid of obstructions
From this reading March came with high winds, with clear sunny days and nights that crackled under the frosty stars.
constrictingadjectiveUS /kənˈstrɪktɪŋ/
(of circumstances) tending to constrict freedom
From this reading WHEN SPRING CAME BACK Through January and February the temperature fell lower and lower, and winter, like a white, constricting monster, bound the forest country in tighter embrace.
without stop or interruption
From this reading The two policemen continued to live in their cave, and while Dexter grew thin and gaunt with the privations of the passing months, the convalescent Devreaux, astonishingly, began to pick up in weight and strength.
convalescentnounUS /ˌkɑːnvəˈlesənt/
a person who is recovering from illness
From this reading The two policemen continued to live in their cave, and while Dexter grew thin and gaunt with the privations of the passing months, the convalescent Devreaux, astonishingly, began to pick up in weight and strength.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading WHEN SPRING CAME BACK Through January and February the temperature fell lower and lower, and winter, like a white, constricting monster, bound the forest country in tighter embrace.
coverts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The gray specter of famine walked through the wilderness, reaching here and there and everywhere with a blighting touch of death, threatening at the last to take off the surviving creatures of the coverts and runways, that still tried so hard to live.
crackledverbUS /ˈkrækəld/
past form of “crackle” — make a crackling sound
From this reading March came with high winds, with clear sunny days and nights that crackled under the frosty stars.
plural of “creature” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading The gray specter of famine walked through the wilderness, reaching here and there and everywhere with a blighting touch of death, threatening at the last to take off the surviving creatures of the coverts and runways, that still tried so hard to live.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading March came with high winds, with clear sunny days and nights that crackled under the frosty stars.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading The gray specter of famine walked through the wilderness, reaching here and there and everywhere with a blighting touch of death, threatening at the last to take off the surviving creatures of the coverts and runways, that still tried so hard to live.
Devreaux
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two policemen continued to live in their cave, and while Dexter grew thin and gaunt with the privations of the passing months, the convalescent Devreaux, astonishingly, began to pick up in weight and strength.
DexteradjectiveUS /ˈdekstər/
on or starting from the wearer's right
From this reading The two policemen continued to live in their cave, and while Dexter grew thin and gaunt with the privations of the passing months, the convalescent Devreaux, astonishingly, began to pick up in weight and strength.
drippedverbUS /drɪpt/
inflected form of “drip” — fall in drops
From this reading The sun swung gradually northward, and the silvery pale rays changed to gold; for a few minutes at noon-day a faint warmth might be felt, and water dripped from the snow-laden trees.
embraceverbUS /emˈbreɪs/
include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory
From this reading WHEN SPRING CAME BACK Through January and February the temperature fell lower and lower, and winter, like a white, constricting monster, bound the forest country in tighter embrace.
to or in any or all places
From this reading The gray specter of famine walked through the wilderness, reaching here and there and everywhere with a blighting touch of death, threatening at the last to take off the surviving creatures of the coverts and runways, that still tried so hard to live.
deficient in magnitude; barely perceptible; lacking clarity or brightness or loudness etc
From this reading The sun swung gradually northward, and the silvery pale rays changed to gold; for a few minutes at noon-day a faint warmth might be felt, and water dripped from the snow-laden trees.
faminenounUS /ˈfæmən/
an acute insufficiency
From this reading The gray specter of famine walked through the wilderness, reaching here and there and everywhere with a blighting touch of death, threatening at the last to take off the surviving creatures of the coverts and runways, that still tried so hard to live.
FebruarynounUS /ˈfebjəweri/
the month following January and preceding March
From this reading WHEN SPRING CAME BACK Through January and February the temperature fell lower and lower, and winter, like a white, constricting monster, bound the forest country in tighter embrace.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading WHEN SPRING CAME BACK Through January and February the temperature fell lower and lower, and winter, like a white, constricting monster, bound the forest country in tighter embrace.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading The sun swung gradually northward, and the silvery pale rays changed to gold; for a few minutes at noon-day a faint warmth might be felt, and water dripped from the snow-laden trees.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading The sun swung gradually northward, and the silvery pale rays changed to gold; for a few minutes at noon-day a faint warmth might be felt, and water dripped from the snow-laden trees.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The sun swung gradually northward, and the silvery pale rays changed to gold; for a few minutes at noon-day a faint warmth might be felt, and water dripped from the snow-laden trees.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading WHEN SPRING CAME BACK Through January and February the temperature fell lower and lower, and winter, like a white, constricting monster, bound the forest country in tighter embrace.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The sun swung gradually northward, and the silvery pale rays changed to gold; for a few minutes at noon-day a faint warmth might be felt, and water dripped from the snow-laden trees.
frostyadjectiveUS /ˈfrɔːsti/
devoid of warmth and cordiality; expressive of unfriendliness or disdain
From this reading March came with high winds, with clear sunny days and nights that crackled under the frosty stars.
gauntadjectiveUS /ɡɔːnt/
very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold
From this reading The two policemen continued to live in their cave, and while Dexter grew thin and gaunt with the privations of the passing months, the convalescent Devreaux, astonishingly, began to pick up in weight and strength.
coins made of gold
From this reading The sun swung gradually northward, and the silvery pale rays changed to gold; for a few minutes at noon-day a faint warmth might be felt, and water dripped from the snow-laden trees.
in a gradual manner
From this reading The sun swung gradually northward, and the silvery pale rays changed to gold; for a few minutes at noon-day a faint warmth might be felt, and water dripped from the snow-laden trees.
a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black
From this reading The gray specter of famine walked through the wilderness, reaching here and there and everywhere with a blighting touch of death, threatening at the last to take off the surviving creatures of the coverts and runways, that still tried so hard to live.
inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading The two policemen continued to live in their cave, and while Dexter grew thin and gaunt with the privations of the passing months, the convalescent Devreaux, astonishingly, began to pick up in weight and strength.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading The gray specter of famine walked through the wilderness, reaching here and there and everywhere with a blighting touch of death, threatening at the last to take off the surviving creatures of the coverts and runways, that still tried so hard to live.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading The gray specter of famine walked through the wilderness, reaching here and there and everywhere with a blighting touch of death, threatening at the last to take off the surviving creatures of the coverts and runways, that still tried so hard to live.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading March came with high winds, with clear sunny days and nights that crackled under the frosty stars.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading WHEN SPRING CAME BACK Through January and February the temperature fell lower and lower, and winter, like a white, constricting monster, bound the forest country in tighter embrace.
JanuarynounUS /ˈdʒænjuːeri/
the first month of the year; begins 10 days after the winter solstice
From this reading WHEN SPRING CAME BACK Through January and February the temperature fell lower and lower, and winter, like a white, constricting monster, bound the forest country in tighter embrace.
immediately past
From this reading The gray specter of famine walked through the wilderness, reaching here and there and everywhere with a blighting touch of death, threatening at the last to take off the surviving creatures of the coverts and runways, that still tried so hard to live.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading WHEN SPRING CAME BACK Through January and February the temperature fell lower and lower, and winter, like a white, constricting monster, bound the forest country in tighter embrace.
be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading The gray specter of famine walked through the wilderness, reaching here and there and everywhere with a blighting touch of death, threatening at the last to take off the surviving creatures of the coverts and runways, that still tried so hard to live.
move something or somebody to a lower position
From this reading WHEN SPRING CAME BACK Through January and February the temperature fell lower and lower, and winter, like a white, constricting monster, bound the forest country in tighter embrace.
march in a procession
From this reading March came with high winds, with clear sunny days and nights that crackled under the frosty stars.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading The sun swung gradually northward, and the silvery pale rays changed to gold; for a few minutes at noon-day a faint warmth might be felt, and water dripped from the snow-laden trees.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading The sun swung gradually northward, and the silvery pale rays changed to gold; for a few minutes at noon-day a faint warmth might be felt, and water dripped from the snow-laden trees.
monsternounUS /ˈmɑːnstər/
an imaginary creature usually having various human and animal parts
From this reading WHEN SPRING CAME BACK Through January and February the temperature fell lower and lower, and winter, like a white, constricting monster, bound the forest country in tighter embrace.
plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading The two policemen continued to live in their cave, and while Dexter grew thin and gaunt with the privations of the passing months, the convalescent Devreaux, astonishingly, began to pick up in weight and strength.
Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.
From this reading March came with high winds, with clear sunny days and nights that crackled under the frosty stars.
noon-day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun swung gradually northward, and the silvery pale rays changed to gold; for a few minutes at noon-day a faint warmth might be felt, and water dripped from the snow-laden trees.
northwardadverbUS /ˈnɔːrθwərd/
in a northern direction
From this reading The sun swung gradually northward, and the silvery pale rays changed to gold; for a few minutes at noon-day a faint warmth might be felt, and water dripped from the snow-laden trees.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The gray specter of famine walked through the wilderness, reaching here and there and everywhere with a blighting touch of death, threatening at the last to take off the surviving creatures of the coverts and runways, that still tried so hard to live.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading The gray specter of famine walked through the wilderness, reaching here and there and everywhere with a blighting touch of death, threatening at the last to take off the surviving creatures of the coverts and runways, that still tried so hard to live.
very light colored; highly diluted with white
From this reading The sun swung gradually northward, and the silvery pale rays changed to gold; for a few minutes at noon-day a faint warmth might be felt, and water dripped from the snow-laden trees.
(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate
From this reading The two policemen continued to live in their cave, and while Dexter grew thin and gaunt with the privations of the passing months, the convalescent Devreaux, astonishingly, began to pick up in weight and strength.
select carefully from a group
From this reading The two policemen continued to live in their cave, and while Dexter grew thin and gaunt with the privations of the passing months, the convalescent Devreaux, astonishingly, began to pick up in weight and strength.
policemennounUS /pəˈliːsmɪn/
plural of “policeman” — a member of a police force
From this reading The two policemen continued to live in their cave, and while Dexter grew thin and gaunt with the privations of the passing months, the convalescent Devreaux, astonishingly, began to pick up in weight and strength.
privationsnounUS /praɪˈveɪʃənz/
plural of “privation” — a state of extreme poverty
From this reading The two policemen continued to live in their cave, and while Dexter grew thin and gaunt with the privations of the passing months, the convalescent Devreaux, astonishingly, began to pick up in weight and strength.
raysnounUS /reɪz/
plural of “ray” — a column of light (as from a beacon)
From this reading The sun swung gradually northward, and the silvery pale rays changed to gold; for a few minutes at noon-day a faint warmth might be felt, and water dripped from the snow-laden trees.
the act of physically reaching or thrusting out
From this reading The gray specter of famine walked through the wilderness, reaching here and there and everywhere with a blighting touch of death, threatening at the last to take off the surviving creatures of the coverts and runways, that still tried so hard to live.
runwaysnounUS /ˈrʌnweɪz/
plural of “runway” — a bar or pair of parallel bars of rolled steel making the railway along which railroad cars or other vehicles can roll
From this reading The gray specter of famine walked through the wilderness, reaching here and there and everywhere with a blighting touch of death, threatening at the last to take off the surviving creatures of the coverts and runways, that still tried so hard to live.
silveryadjectiveUS /ˈsɪlvəri/
resembling or reminiscent of silver
From this reading The sun swung gradually northward, and the silvery pale rays changed to gold; for a few minutes at noon-day a faint warmth might be felt, and water dripped from the snow-laden trees.
snow-laden
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun swung gradually northward, and the silvery pale rays changed to gold; for a few minutes at noon-day a faint warmth might be felt, and water dripped from the snow-laden trees.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The gray specter of famine walked through the wilderness, reaching here and there and everywhere with a blighting touch of death, threatening at the last to take off the surviving creatures of the coverts and runways, that still tried so hard to live.
specternounUS /ˈspektər/
a mental representation of some haunting experience
From this reading The gray specter of famine walked through the wilderness, reaching here and there and everywhere with a blighting touch of death, threatening at the last to take off the surviving creatures of the coverts and runways, that still tried so hard to live.
the season of growth
From this reading WHEN SPRING CAME BACK Through January and February the temperature fell lower and lower, and winter, like a white, constricting monster, bound the forest country in tighter embrace.
plural of “star” — (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
From this reading March came with high winds, with clear sunny days and nights that crackled under the frosty stars.
not in physical motion
From this reading The gray specter of famine walked through the wilderness, reaching here and there and everywhere with a blighting touch of death, threatening at the last to take off the surviving creatures of the coverts and runways, that still tried so hard to live.
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading The two policemen continued to live in their cave, and while Dexter grew thin and gaunt with the privations of the passing months, the convalescent Devreaux, astonishingly, began to pick up in weight and strength.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading The sun swung gradually northward, and the silvery pale rays changed to gold; for a few minutes at noon-day a faint warmth might be felt, and water dripped from the snow-laden trees.
sunnyadjectiveUS /ˈsʌni/
bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer
From this reading March came with high winds, with clear sunny days and nights that crackled under the frosty stars.
survivingadjectiveUS /sərˈvaɪvɪŋ/
still in existence
From this reading The gray specter of famine walked through the wilderness, reaching here and there and everywhere with a blighting touch of death, threatening at the last to take off the surviving creatures of the coverts and runways, that still tried so hard to live.
inflected form of “swing” — move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting
From this reading The sun swung gradually northward, and the silvery pale rays changed to gold; for a few minutes at noon-day a faint warmth might be felt, and water dripped from the snow-laden trees.
carry out
From this reading The gray specter of famine walked through the wilderness, reaching here and there and everywhere with a blighting touch of death, threatening at the last to take off the surviving creatures of the coverts and runways, that still tried so hard to live.
temperaturenounUS /ˈtemprətʃər/
the degree of hotness or coldness of a body or environment (corresponding to its molecular activity)
From this reading WHEN SPRING CAME BACK Through January and February the temperature fell lower and lower, and winter, like a white, constricting monster, bound the forest country in tighter embrace.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The gray specter of famine walked through the wilderness, reaching here and there and everywhere with a blighting touch of death, threatening at the last to take off the surviving creatures of the coverts and runways, that still tried so hard to live.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading WHEN SPRING CAME BACK Through January and February the temperature fell lower and lower, and winter, like a white, constricting monster, bound the forest country in tighter embrace.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The two policemen continued to live in their cave, and while Dexter grew thin and gaunt with the privations of the passing months, the convalescent Devreaux, astonishingly, began to pick up in weight and strength.
in or at that place or location
From this reading The gray specter of famine walked through the wilderness, reaching here and there and everywhere with a blighting touch of death, threatening at the last to take off the surviving creatures of the coverts and runways, that still tried so hard to live.
Having little thickness or extent.
From this reading The two policemen continued to live in their cave, and while Dexter grew thin and gaunt with the privations of the passing months, the convalescent Devreaux, astonishingly, began to pick up in weight and strength.
threateningadjectiveUS /ˈθretənɪŋ/
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
From this reading The gray specter of famine walked through the wilderness, reaching here and there and everywhere with a blighting touch of death, threatening at the last to take off the surviving creatures of the coverts and runways, that still tried so hard to live.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading WHEN SPRING CAME BACK Through January and February the temperature fell lower and lower, and winter, like a white, constricting monster, bound the forest country in tighter embrace.
tighteradjectiveUS /ˈtaɪtər/
comparative of “tight” — closely constrained or constricted or constricting
From this reading WHEN SPRING CAME BACK Through January and February the temperature fell lower and lower, and winter, like a white, constricting monster, bound the forest country in tighter embrace.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The gray specter of famine walked through the wilderness, reaching here and there and everywhere with a blighting touch of death, threatening at the last to take off the surviving creatures of the coverts and runways, that still tried so hard to live.
make physical contact with, come in contact with
From this reading The gray specter of famine walked through the wilderness, reaching here and there and everywhere with a blighting touch of death, threatening at the last to take off the surviving creatures of the coverts and runways, that still tried so hard to live.
plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading The sun swung gradually northward, and the silvery pale rays changed to gold; for a few minutes at noon-day a faint warmth might be felt, and water dripped from the snow-laden trees.
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading The gray specter of famine walked through the wilderness, reaching here and there and everywhere with a blighting touch of death, threatening at the last to take off the surviving creatures of the coverts and runways, that still tried so hard to live.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading The two policemen continued to live in their cave, and while Dexter grew thin and gaunt with the privations of the passing months, the convalescent Devreaux, astonishingly, began to pick up in weight and strength.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading March came with high winds, with clear sunny days and nights that crackled under the frosty stars.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The two policemen continued to live in their cave, and while Dexter grew thin and gaunt with the privations of the passing months, the convalescent Devreaux, astonishingly, began to pick up in weight and strength.
past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps
From this reading The gray specter of famine walked through the wilderness, reaching here and there and everywhere with a blighting touch of death, threatening at the last to take off the surviving creatures of the coverts and runways, that still tried so hard to live.
warmthnounUS /wɔːrmθ/
the sensation caused by heat energy
From this reading The sun swung gradually northward, and the silvery pale rays changed to gold; for a few minutes at noon-day a faint warmth might be felt, and water dripped from the snow-laden trees.
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 The sun swung gradually northward, and the silvery pale rays changed to gold; for a few minutes at noon-day a faint warmth might be felt, and water dripped from the snow-laden trees.
the vertical force exerted by a mass as a result of gravity
From this reading The two policemen continued to live in their cave, and while Dexter grew thin and gaunt with the privations of the passing months, the convalescent Devreaux, astonishingly, began to pick up in weight and strength.
at the time that
From this reading WHEN SPRING CAME BACK Through January and February the temperature fell lower and lower, and winter, like a white, constricting monster, bound the forest country in tighter embrace.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading The two policemen continued to live in their cave, and while Dexter grew thin and gaunt with the privations of the passing months, the convalescent Devreaux, astonishingly, began to pick up in weight and strength.
a Caucasian
From this reading WHEN SPRING CAME BACK Through January and February the temperature fell lower and lower, and winter, like a white, constricting monster, bound the forest country in tighter embrace.
wildernessnounUS /ˈwɪldərnəs/
(politics) a state of disfavor
From this reading The gray specter of famine walked through the wilderness, reaching here and there and everywhere with a blighting touch of death, threatening at the last to take off the surviving creatures of the coverts and runways, that still tried so hard to live.
plural of “wind” — air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading March came with high winds, with clear sunny days and nights that crackled under the frosty stars.
the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading WHEN SPRING CAME BACK Through January and February the temperature fell lower and lower, and winter, like a white, constricting monster, bound the forest country in tighter embrace.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The gray specter of famine walked through the wilderness, reaching here and there and everywhere with a blighting touch of death, threatening at the last to take off the surviving creatures of the coverts and runways, that still tried so hard to live.
