used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading With a turn of the kaleidoscope is another pattern formed.
alchemistnounUS /ˈæltʃəmɪst/
one who was versed in the practice of alchemy and who sought an elixir of life and a panacea and an alkahest and the philosopher's stone
From this reading Yonder, by the tall emblazoned mantel, was the familiar ebony cabinet in which a long bygone De Breze, who was an alchemist, had been wont to lock his phials.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Yonder, by the tall emblazoned mantel, was the familiar ebony cabinet in which a long bygone De Breze, who was an alchemist, had been wont to lock his phials.
ancestorsnounUS /ˈænsestərz/
plural of “ancestor” — someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)
From this reading No. It was the same gorgeously gloomy chamber in which she had so often wept, with its dim ancestors frowning from the background of mouldering arras.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Lying in the great state bed with its ponderous carven canopy and heavy curtains of deep blue velvet fringed with gold, Gabrielle wondered whether she had awakened in a kinder world or whether she was dreaming in the old rugose one.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading With a turn of the kaleidoscope is another pattern formed.
arrasnoun
a wall hanging of heavy handwoven fabric often with pictorial designs
From this reading No. It was the same gorgeously gloomy chamber in which she had so often wept, with its dim ancestors frowning from the background of mouldering arras.
awakenedadjectiveUS /əˈweɪkənd/
aroused or activated
From this reading Lying in the great state bed with its ponderous carven canopy and heavy curtains of deep blue velvet fringed with gold, Gabrielle wondered whether she had awakened in a kinder world or whether she was dreaming in the old rugose one.
backgroundnounUS /ˈbækɡraʊnd/
a person's social heritage: previous experience or training
From this reading No. It was the same gorgeously gloomy chamber in which she had so often wept, with its dim ancestors frowning from the background of mouldering arras.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading Lying in the great state bed with its ponderous carven canopy and heavy curtains of deep blue velvet fringed with gold, Gabrielle wondered whether she had awakened in a kinder world or whether she was dreaming in the old rugose one.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Yonder, by the tall emblazoned mantel, was the familiar ebony cabinet in which a long bygone De Breze, who was an alchemist, had been wont to lock his phials.
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading Lying in the great state bed with its ponderous carven canopy and heavy curtains of deep blue velvet fringed with gold, Gabrielle wondered whether she had awakened in a kinder world or whether she was dreaming in the old rugose one.
Breze
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yonder, by the tall emblazoned mantel, was the familiar ebony cabinet in which a long bygone De Breze, who was an alchemist, had been wont to lock his phials.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Yonder, by the tall emblazoned mantel, was the familiar ebony cabinet in which a long bygone De Breze, who was an alchemist, had been wont to lock his phials.
bygonenounUS /ˈbaɪɡɔːn/
past events to be put aside
From this reading Yonder, by the tall emblazoned mantel, was the familiar ebony cabinet in which a long bygone De Breze, who was an alchemist, had been wont to lock his phials.
cabinetnounUS /ˈkæbənət/
a piece of furniture resembling a cupboard with doors and shelves and drawers; for storage or display
From this reading Yonder, by the tall emblazoned mantel, was the familiar ebony cabinet in which a long bygone De Breze, who was an alchemist, had been wont to lock his phials.
canopynounUS /ˈkæn.ə.pi/
An overhead roof or structure, such as the high vaulted ceiling of an ancient library.
From this reading Lying in the great state bed with its ponderous carven canopy and heavy curtains of deep blue velvet fringed with gold, Gabrielle wondered whether she had awakened in a kinder world or whether she was dreaming in the old rugose one.
carvenadjective
made for or formed by carving (“carven” is archaic or literary)
From this reading Lying in the great state bed with its ponderous carven canopy and heavy curtains of deep blue velvet fringed with gold, Gabrielle wondered whether she had awakened in a kinder world or whether she was dreaming in the old rugose one.
a natural or artificial enclosed space
From this reading No. It was the same gorgeously gloomy chamber in which she had so often wept, with its dim ancestors frowning from the background of mouldering arras.
curtainsnounUS /ˈkɜːrtənz/
plural of “curtain” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)
From this reading Lying in the great state bed with its ponderous carven canopy and heavy curtains of deep blue velvet fringed with gold, Gabrielle wondered whether she had awakened in a kinder world or whether she was dreaming in the old rugose one.
separate with or as if with an instrument
From this reading DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND.
a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading Yonder, by the tall emblazoned mantel, was the familiar ebony cabinet in which a long bygone De Breze, who was an alchemist, had been wont to lock his phials.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading Lying in the great state bed with its ponderous carven canopy and heavy curtains of deep blue velvet fringed with gold, Gabrielle wondered whether she had awakened in a kinder world or whether she was dreaming in the old rugose one.
DIAMONDnounUS /ˈdaɪmənd/
a transparent piece of diamond that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
From this reading DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND.
lacking in light; not bright or harsh
From this reading No. It was the same gorgeously gloomy chamber in which she had so often wept, with its dim ancestors frowning from the background of mouldering arras.
dreamingnounUS /ˈdriːmɪŋ/
imaginative thoughts indulged in while awake
From this reading Lying in the great state bed with its ponderous carven canopy and heavy curtains of deep blue velvet fringed with gold, Gabrielle wondered whether she had awakened in a kinder world or whether she was dreaming in the old rugose one.
ebonynounUS /ˈebəni/
a very dark black
From this reading Yonder, by the tall emblazoned mantel, was the familiar ebony cabinet in which a long bygone De Breze, who was an alchemist, had been wont to lock his phials.
emblazonedverbUS /emˈbleɪzənd/
past form of “emblazon” — decorate with colors
From this reading Yonder, by the tall emblazoned mantel, was the familiar ebony cabinet in which a long bygone De Breze, who was an alchemist, had been wont to lock his phials.
well known or easily recognized
From this reading Yonder, by the tall emblazoned mantel, was the familiar ebony cabinet in which a long bygone De Breze, who was an alchemist, had been wont to lock his phials.
having or given a form or shape
From this reading With a turn of the kaleidoscope is another pattern formed.
fringedadjective
surrounded as with a border or fringe; sometimes used in combination
From this reading Lying in the great state bed with its ponderous carven canopy and heavy curtains of deep blue velvet fringed with gold, Gabrielle wondered whether she had awakened in a kinder world or whether she was dreaming in the old rugose one.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading No. It was the same gorgeously gloomy chamber in which she had so often wept, with its dim ancestors frowning from the background of mouldering arras.
frowningadjectiveUS /ˈfraʊnɪŋ/
showing displeasure or anger
From this reading No. It was the same gorgeously gloomy chamber in which she had so often wept, with its dim ancestors frowning from the background of mouldering arras.
Gabrielle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lying in the great state bed with its ponderous carven canopy and heavy curtains of deep blue velvet fringed with gold, Gabrielle wondered whether she had awakened in a kinder world or whether she was dreaming in the old rugose one.
depressingly dark
From this reading No. It was the same gorgeously gloomy chamber in which she had so often wept, with its dim ancestors frowning from the background of mouldering arras.
coins made of gold
From this reading Lying in the great state bed with its ponderous carven canopy and heavy curtains of deep blue velvet fringed with gold, Gabrielle wondered whether she had awakened in a kinder world or whether she was dreaming in the old rugose one.
gorgeouslyadverb
in an impressively beautiful manner
From this reading No. It was the same gorgeously gloomy chamber in which she had so often wept, with its dim ancestors frowning from the background of mouldering arras.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Lying in the great state bed with its ponderous carven canopy and heavy curtains of deep blue velvet fringed with gold, Gabrielle wondered whether she had awakened in a kinder world or whether she was dreaming in the old rugose one.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Lying in the great state bed with its ponderous carven canopy and heavy curtains of deep blue velvet fringed with gold, Gabrielle wondered whether she had awakened in a kinder world or whether she was dreaming in the old rugose one.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading Lying in the great state bed with its ponderous carven canopy and heavy curtains of deep blue velvet fringed with gold, Gabrielle wondered whether she had awakened in a kinder world or whether she was dreaming in the old rugose one.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Yonder, by the tall emblazoned mantel, was the familiar ebony cabinet in which a long bygone De Breze, who was an alchemist, had been wont to lock his phials.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Lying in the great state bed with its ponderous carven canopy and heavy curtains of deep blue velvet fringed with gold, Gabrielle wondered whether she had awakened in a kinder world or whether she was dreaming in the old rugose one.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading With a turn of the kaleidoscope is another pattern formed.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading No. It was the same gorgeously gloomy chamber in which she had so often wept, with its dim ancestors frowning from the background of mouldering arras.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Lying in the great state bed with its ponderous carven canopy and heavy curtains of deep blue velvet fringed with gold, Gabrielle wondered whether she had awakened in a kinder world or whether she was dreaming in the old rugose one.
kaleidoscopenounUS /kəˈlaɪdəskoʊp/
a complex pattern of constantly changing colors and shapes
From this reading With a turn of the kaleidoscope is another pattern formed.
kinderadjectiveUS /ˈkaɪndər/
comparative of “kind” — having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading Lying in the great state bed with its ponderous carven canopy and heavy curtains of deep blue velvet fringed with gold, Gabrielle wondered whether she had awakened in a kinder world or whether she was dreaming in the old rugose one.
fasten with a lock
From this reading Yonder, by the tall emblazoned mantel, was the familiar ebony cabinet in which a long bygone De Breze, who was an alchemist, had been wont to lock his phials.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading Yonder, by the tall emblazoned mantel, was the familiar ebony cabinet in which a long bygone De Breze, who was an alchemist, had been wont to lock his phials.
the deliberate act of deviating from the truth
From this reading Lying in the great state bed with its ponderous carven canopy and heavy curtains of deep blue velvet fringed with gold, Gabrielle wondered whether she had awakened in a kinder world or whether she was dreaming in the old rugose one.
mantelnounUS /ˈmæntəl/
shelf that projects from wall above fireplace
From this reading Yonder, by the tall emblazoned mantel, was the familiar ebony cabinet in which a long bygone De Breze, who was an alchemist, had been wont to lock his phials.
mouldering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No. It was the same gorgeously gloomy chamber in which she had so often wept, with its dim ancestors frowning from the background of mouldering arras.
not any; not one
From this reading No. It was the same gorgeously gloomy chamber in which she had so often wept, with its dim ancestors frowning from the background of mouldering arras.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading With a turn of the kaleidoscope is another pattern formed.
many times at short intervals
From this reading No. It was the same gorgeously gloomy chamber in which she had so often wept, with its dim ancestors frowning from the background of mouldering arras.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Lying in the great state bed with its ponderous carven canopy and heavy curtains of deep blue velvet fringed with gold, Gabrielle wondered whether she had awakened in a kinder world or whether she was dreaming in the old rugose one.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Lying in the great state bed with its ponderous carven canopy and heavy curtains of deep blue velvet fringed with gold, Gabrielle wondered whether she had awakened in a kinder world or whether she was dreaming in the old rugose one.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Lying in the great state bed with its ponderous carven canopy and heavy curtains of deep blue velvet fringed with gold, Gabrielle wondered whether she had awakened in a kinder world or whether she was dreaming in the old rugose one.
patternnounUS /ˈpætərn/
a perceptual structure
From this reading With a turn of the kaleidoscope is another pattern formed.
phials
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yonder, by the tall emblazoned mantel, was the familiar ebony cabinet in which a long bygone De Breze, who was an alchemist, had been wont to lock his phials.
ponderousadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːndərəs/
slow and laborious because of weight
From this reading Lying in the great state bed with its ponderous carven canopy and heavy curtains of deep blue velvet fringed with gold, Gabrielle wondered whether she had awakened in a kinder world or whether she was dreaming in the old rugose one.
rugoseadjective
of leaves; ridged or wrinkled
From this reading Lying in the great state bed with its ponderous carven canopy and heavy curtains of deep blue velvet fringed with gold, Gabrielle wondered whether she had awakened in a kinder world or whether she was dreaming in the old rugose one.
Identical; not different.
From this reading No. It was the same gorgeously gloomy chamber in which she had so often wept, with its dim ancestors frowning from the background of mouldering arras.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Lying in the great state bed with its ponderous carven canopy and heavy curtains of deep blue velvet fringed with gold, Gabrielle wondered whether she had awakened in a kinder world or whether she was dreaming in the old rugose one.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading No. It was the same gorgeously gloomy chamber in which she had so often wept, with its dim ancestors frowning from the background of mouldering arras.
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading Lying in the great state bed with its ponderous carven canopy and heavy curtains of deep blue velvet fringed with gold, Gabrielle wondered whether she had awakened in a kinder world or whether she was dreaming in the old rugose one.
great in vertical dimension; high in stature
From this reading Yonder, by the tall emblazoned mantel, was the familiar ebony cabinet in which a long bygone De Breze, who was an alchemist, had been wont to lock his phials.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading With a turn of the kaleidoscope is another pattern formed.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Yonder, by the tall emblazoned mantel, was the familiar ebony cabinet in which a long bygone De Breze, who was an alchemist, had been wont to lock his phials.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading With a turn of the kaleidoscope is another pattern formed.
velvetnounUS /ˈvelvət/
a silky densely piled fabric with a plain back
From this reading Lying in the great state bed with its ponderous carven canopy and heavy curtains of deep blue velvet fringed with gold, Gabrielle wondered whether she had awakened in a kinder world or whether she was dreaming in the old rugose one.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Lying in the great state bed with its ponderous carven canopy and heavy curtains of deep blue velvet fringed with gold, Gabrielle wondered whether she had awakened in a kinder world or whether she was dreaming in the old rugose one.
inflected form of “weep” — shed tears because of sadness, rage, or pain
From this reading No. It was the same gorgeously gloomy chamber in which she had so often wept, with its dim ancestors frowning from the background of mouldering arras.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading Lying in the great state bed with its ponderous carven canopy and heavy curtains of deep blue velvet fringed with gold, Gabrielle wondered whether she had awakened in a kinder world or whether she was dreaming in the old rugose one.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading No. It was the same gorgeously gloomy chamber in which she had so often wept, with its dim ancestors frowning from the background of mouldering arras.
which person or people
From this reading Yonder, by the tall emblazoned mantel, was the familiar ebony cabinet in which a long bygone De Breze, who was an alchemist, had been wont to lock his phials.
in the company of; together with
From this reading With a turn of the kaleidoscope is another pattern formed.
past form of “wonder” — have a wish or desire to know something
From this reading Lying in the great state bed with its ponderous carven canopy and heavy curtains of deep blue velvet fringed with gold, Gabrielle wondered whether she had awakened in a kinder world or whether she was dreaming in the old rugose one.
wontnounUS /woʊnt/
an established custom
From this reading Yonder, by the tall emblazoned mantel, was the familiar ebony cabinet in which a long bygone De Breze, who was an alchemist, had been wont to lock his phials.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading Lying in the great state bed with its ponderous carven canopy and heavy curtains of deep blue velvet fringed with gold, Gabrielle wondered whether she had awakened in a kinder world or whether she was dreaming in the old rugose one.
distant but within sight (“yon” is dialectal)
From this reading Yonder, by the tall emblazoned mantel, was the familiar ebony cabinet in which a long bygone De Breze, who was an alchemist, had been wont to lock his phials.
