Chapter II · Chapter 2

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading MAYAKIN lived in an enormous two-story house near a big palisade, where sturdy, old spreading linden trees were growing magnificently.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The family was devout--the odour of wax, of rock-rose and of image-lamp oil filled the house, and penitent sighs and prayers soared about in the air.

capable of arousing and holding the attention

From this reading Religious ceremonials were performed infallibly, with pleasure, absorbing all the free power of the souls of the dwellers of the house.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading The family was devout--the odour of wax, of rock-rose and of image-lamp oil filled the house, and penitent sighs and prayers soared about in the air.

(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 Religious ceremonials were performed infallibly, with pleasure, absorbing all the free power of the souls of the dwellers of the house.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading Feminine figures almost noiselessly moved about the rooms in the half-dark, stifling, heavy atmosphere.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading The rank branches covered the windows with a dense, dark embroidery, and the sun in broken rays peeped into the small rooms, which were closely crowded with miscellaneous furniture and big trunks, wherefore a stern and melancholy semi-darkness always reigned there supreme.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading MAYAKIN lived in an enormous two-story house near a big palisade, where sturdy, old spreading linden trees were growing magnificently.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading The rank branches covered the windows with a dense, dark embroidery, and the sun in broken rays peeped into the small rooms, which were closely crowded with miscellaneous furniture and big trunks, wherefore a stern and melancholy semi-darkness always reigned there supreme.

a particular environment or surrounding influence

From this reading Feminine figures almost noiselessly moved about the rooms in the half-dark, stifling, heavy atmosphere.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading MAYAKIN lived in an enormous two-story house near a big palisade, where sturdy, old spreading linden trees were growing magnificently.

plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading The rank branches covered the windows with a dense, dark embroidery, and the sun in broken rays peeped into the small rooms, which were closely crowded with miscellaneous furniture and big trunks, wherefore a stern and melancholy semi-darkness always reigned there supreme.

physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split

From this reading The rank branches covered the windows with a dense, dark embroidery, and the sun in broken rays peeped into the small rooms, which were closely crowded with miscellaneous furniture and big trunks, wherefore a stern and melancholy semi-darkness always reigned there supreme.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Religious ceremonials were performed infallibly, with pleasure, absorbing all the free power of the souls of the dwellers of the house.

in a close relation or position in time or space

From this reading The rank branches covered the windows with a dense, dark embroidery, and the sun in broken rays peeped into the small rooms, which were closely crowded with miscellaneous furniture and big trunks, wherefore a stern and melancholy semi-darkness always reigned there supreme.

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading The rank branches covered the windows with a dense, dark embroidery, and the sun in broken rays peeped into the small rooms, which were closely crowded with miscellaneous furniture and big trunks, wherefore a stern and melancholy semi-darkness always reigned there supreme.

overfilled or compacted or concentrated

From this reading The rank branches covered the windows with a dense, dark embroidery, and the sun in broken rays peeped into the small rooms, which were closely crowded with miscellaneous furniture and big trunks, wherefore a stern and melancholy semi-darkness always reigned there supreme.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading The rank branches covered the windows with a dense, dark embroidery, and the sun in broken rays peeped into the small rooms, which were closely crowded with miscellaneous furniture and big trunks, wherefore a stern and melancholy semi-darkness always reigned there supreme.

permitting little if any light to pass through because of denseness of matter

From this reading The rank branches covered the windows with a dense, dark embroidery, and the sun in broken rays peeped into the small rooms, which were closely crowded with miscellaneous furniture and big trunks, wherefore a stern and melancholy semi-darkness always reigned there supreme.

deeply religious

From this reading The family was devout--the odour of wax, of rock-rose and of image-lamp oil filled the house, and penitent sighs and prayers soared about in the air.

plural of “dweller” — a person who inhabits a particular place

From this reading Religious ceremonials were performed infallibly, with pleasure, absorbing all the free power of the souls of the dwellers of the house.

elaboration of an interpretation by the use of decorative (sometimes fictitious) detail

From this reading The rank branches covered the windows with a dense, dark embroidery, and the sun in broken rays peeped into the small rooms, which were closely crowded with miscellaneous furniture and big trunks, wherefore a stern and melancholy semi-darkness always reigned there supreme.

extraordinarily large in size or extent or amount or power or degree

From this reading MAYAKIN lived in an enormous two-story house near a big palisade, where sturdy, old spreading linden trees were growing magnificently.

a social unit living together

From this reading The family was devout--the odour of wax, of rock-rose and of image-lamp oil filled the house, and penitent sighs and prayers soared about in the air.

associated with women and not with men

From this reading Feminine figures almost noiselessly moved about the rooms in the half-dark, stifling, heavy atmosphere.

plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading Feminine figures almost noiselessly moved about the rooms in the half-dark, stifling, heavy atmosphere.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading The family was devout--the odour of wax, of rock-rose and of image-lamp oil filled the house, and penitent sighs and prayers soared about in the air.

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading Religious ceremonials were performed infallibly, with pleasure, absorbing all the free power of the souls of the dwellers of the house.

furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy

From this reading The rank branches covered the windows with a dense, dark embroidery, and the sun in broken rays peeped into the small rooms, which were closely crowded with miscellaneous furniture and big trunks, wherefore a stern and melancholy semi-darkness always reigned there supreme.

(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level

From this reading MAYAKIN lived in an enormous two-story house near a big palisade, where sturdy, old spreading linden trees were growing magnificently.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Feminine figures almost noiselessly moved about the rooms in the half-dark, stifling, heavy atmosphere.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading Feminine figures almost noiselessly moved about the rooms in the half-dark, stifling, heavy atmosphere.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading MAYAKIN lived in an enormous two-story house near a big palisade, where sturdy, old spreading linden trees were growing magnificently.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The family was devout--the odour of wax, of rock-rose and of image-lamp oil filled the house, and penitent sighs and prayers soared about in the air.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading MAYAKIN lived in an enormous two-story house near a big palisade, where sturdy, old spreading linden trees were growing magnificently.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Religious ceremonials were performed infallibly, with pleasure, absorbing all the free power of the souls of the dwellers of the house.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The rank branches covered the windows with a dense, dark embroidery, and the sun in broken rays peeped into the small rooms, which were closely crowded with miscellaneous furniture and big trunks, wherefore a stern and melancholy semi-darkness always reigned there supreme.

soft light-colored wood of any of various linden trees; used in making crates and boxes and in carving and millwork

From this reading MAYAKIN lived in an enormous two-story house near a big palisade, where sturdy, old spreading linden trees were growing magnificently.

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading MAYAKIN lived in an enormous two-story house near a big palisade, where sturdy, old spreading linden trees were growing magnificently.

extremely well

From this reading MAYAKIN lived in an enormous two-story house near a big palisade, where sturdy, old spreading linden trees were growing magnificently.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading MAYAKIN lived in an enormous two-story house near a big palisade, where sturdy, old spreading linden trees were growing magnificently.

a feeling of thoughtful sadness

From this reading The rank branches covered the windows with a dense, dark embroidery, and the sun in broken rays peeped into the small rooms, which were closely crowded with miscellaneous furniture and big trunks, wherefore a stern and melancholy semi-darkness always reigned there supreme.

consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds

From this reading The rank branches covered the windows with a dense, dark embroidery, and the sun in broken rays peeped into the small rooms, which were closely crowded with miscellaneous furniture and big trunks, wherefore a stern and melancholy semi-darkness always reigned there supreme.

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading Feminine figures almost noiselessly moved about the rooms in the half-dark, stifling, heavy atmosphere.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading MAYAKIN lived in an enormous two-story house near a big palisade, where sturdy, old spreading linden trees were growing magnificently.

without a sound

From this reading Feminine figures almost noiselessly moved about the rooms in the half-dark, stifling, heavy atmosphere.

the sensation that results when olfactory receptors in the nose are stimulated by particular chemicals in gaseous form

From this reading The family was devout--the odour of wax, of rock-rose and of image-lamp oil filled the house, and penitent sighs and prayers soared about in the air.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The family was devout--the odour of wax, of rock-rose and of image-lamp oil filled the house, and penitent sighs and prayers soared about in the air.

A viscous liquid derived from petroleum or plants, stored in large earthen jars.

From this reading The family was devout--the odour of wax, of rock-rose and of image-lamp oil filled the house, and penitent sighs and prayers soared about in the air.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading MAYAKIN lived in an enormous two-story house near a big palisade, where sturdy, old spreading linden trees were growing magnificently.

fortification consisting of a strong fence made of stakes driven into the ground

From this reading MAYAKIN lived in an enormous two-story house near a big palisade, where sturdy, old spreading linden trees were growing magnificently.

past form of “peep” — look furtively

From this reading The rank branches covered the windows with a dense, dark embroidery, and the sun in broken rays peeped into the small rooms, which were closely crowded with miscellaneous furniture and big trunks, wherefore a stern and melancholy semi-darkness always reigned there supreme.

(Roman Catholic Church) a person who repents for wrongdoing (a Roman Catholic may be admitted to penance under the direction of a confessor)

From this reading The family was devout--the odour of wax, of rock-rose and of image-lamp oil filled the house, and penitent sighs and prayers soared about in the air.

past form of “perform” — carry out or perform an action

From this reading Religious ceremonials were performed infallibly, with pleasure, absorbing all the free power of the souls of the dwellers of the house.

a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience

From this reading Religious ceremonials were performed infallibly, with pleasure, absorbing all the free power of the souls of the dwellers of the house.

possession of controlling influence

From this reading Religious ceremonials were performed infallibly, with pleasure, absorbing all the free power of the souls of the dwellers of the house.

plural of “prayer” — the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)

From this reading The family was devout--the odour of wax, of rock-rose and of image-lamp oil filled the house, and penitent sighs and prayers soared about in the air.

a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another

From this reading The rank branches covered the windows with a dense, dark embroidery, and the sun in broken rays peeped into the small rooms, which were closely crowded with miscellaneous furniture and big trunks, wherefore a stern and melancholy semi-darkness always reigned there supreme.

plural of “ray” — a column of light (as from a beacon)

From this reading The rank branches covered the windows with a dense, dark embroidery, and the sun in broken rays peeped into the small rooms, which were closely crowded with miscellaneous furniture and big trunks, wherefore a stern and melancholy semi-darkness always reigned there supreme.

past form of “reign” — have sovereign power

From this reading The rank branches covered the windows with a dense, dark embroidery, and the sun in broken rays peeped into the small rooms, which were closely crowded with miscellaneous furniture and big trunks, wherefore a stern and melancholy semi-darkness always reigned there supreme.

concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church

From this reading Religious ceremonials were performed infallibly, with pleasure, absorbing all the free power of the souls of the dwellers of the house.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The family was devout--the odour of wax, of rock-rose and of image-lamp oil filled the house, and penitent sighs and prayers soared about in the air.

apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)

From this reading The rank branches covered the windows with a dense, dark embroidery, and the sun in broken rays peeped into the small rooms, which were closely crowded with miscellaneous furniture and big trunks, wherefore a stern and melancholy semi-darkness always reigned there supreme.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The rank branches covered the windows with a dense, dark embroidery, and the sun in broken rays peeped into the small rooms, which were closely crowded with miscellaneous furniture and big trunks, wherefore a stern and melancholy semi-darkness always reigned there supreme.

plural of “sigh” — an utterance made by exhaling audibly

From this reading The family was devout--the odour of wax, of rock-rose and of image-lamp oil filled the house, and penitent sighs and prayers soared about in the air.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The rank branches covered the windows with a dense, dark embroidery, and the sun in broken rays peeped into the small rooms, which were closely crowded with miscellaneous furniture and big trunks, wherefore a stern and melancholy semi-darkness always reigned there supreme.

past form of “soar” — rise rapidly

From this reading The family was devout--the odour of wax, of rock-rose and of image-lamp oil filled the house, and penitent sighs and prayers soared about in the air.

plural of “soul” — the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life

From this reading Religious ceremonials were performed infallibly, with pleasure, absorbing all the free power of the souls of the dwellers of the house.

process or result of distributing or extending over a wide expanse of space

From this reading MAYAKIN lived in an enormous two-story house near a big palisade, where sturdy, old spreading linden trees were growing magnificently.

of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect

From this reading The rank branches covered the windows with a dense, dark embroidery, and the sun in broken rays peeped into the small rooms, which were closely crowded with miscellaneous furniture and big trunks, wherefore a stern and melancholy semi-darkness always reigned there supreme.

forceful prevention; putting down by power or authority

From this reading Feminine figures almost noiselessly moved about the rooms in the half-dark, stifling, heavy atmosphere.

having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships

From this reading MAYAKIN lived in an enormous two-story house near a big palisade, where sturdy, old spreading linden trees were growing magnificently.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading The rank branches covered the windows with a dense, dark embroidery, and the sun in broken rays peeped into the small rooms, which were closely crowded with miscellaneous furniture and big trunks, wherefore a stern and melancholy semi-darkness always reigned there supreme.

final or last in your life or progress

From this reading The rank branches covered the windows with a dense, dark embroidery, and the sun in broken rays peeped into the small rooms, which were closely crowded with miscellaneous furniture and big trunks, wherefore a stern and melancholy semi-darkness always reigned there supreme.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading The rank branches covered the windows with a dense, dark embroidery, and the sun in broken rays peeped into the small rooms, which were closely crowded with miscellaneous furniture and big trunks, wherefore a stern and melancholy semi-darkness always reigned there supreme.

in or at that place or location

From this reading The rank branches covered the windows with a dense, dark embroidery, and the sun in broken rays peeped into the small rooms, which were closely crowded with miscellaneous furniture and big trunks, wherefore a stern and melancholy semi-darkness always reigned there supreme.

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 MAYAKIN lived in an enormous two-story house near a big palisade, where sturdy, old spreading linden trees were growing magnificently.

(used in the plural) trousers that end at or above the knee

From this reading The rank branches covered the windows with a dense, dark embroidery, and the sun in broken rays peeped into the small rooms, which were closely crowded with miscellaneous furniture and big trunks, wherefore a stern and melancholy semi-darkness always reigned there supreme.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading MAYAKIN lived in an enormous two-story house near a big palisade, where sturdy, old spreading linden trees were growing magnificently.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading The family was devout--the odour of wax, of rock-rose and of image-lamp oil filled the house, and penitent sighs and prayers soared about in the air.

cover with wax

From this reading The family was devout--the odour of wax, of rock-rose and of image-lamp oil filled the house, and penitent sighs and prayers soared about in the air.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading MAYAKIN lived in an enormous two-story house near a big palisade, where sturdy, old spreading linden trees were growing magnificently.

in or at the place that

From this reading MAYAKIN lived in an enormous two-story house near a big palisade, where sturdy, old spreading linden trees were growing magnificently.

an old word meaning “why” or “for that reason”

From this reading The rank branches covered the windows with a dense, dark embroidery, and the sun in broken rays peeped into the small rooms, which were closely crowded with miscellaneous furniture and big trunks, wherefore a stern and melancholy semi-darkness always reigned there supreme.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading The rank branches covered the windows with a dense, dark embroidery, and the sun in broken rays peeped into the small rooms, which were closely crowded with miscellaneous furniture and big trunks, wherefore a stern and melancholy semi-darkness always reigned there supreme.

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading The rank branches covered the windows with a dense, dark embroidery, and the sun in broken rays peeped into the small rooms, which were closely crowded with miscellaneous furniture and big trunks, wherefore a stern and melancholy semi-darkness always reigned there supreme.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The rank branches covered the windows with a dense, dark embroidery, and the sun in broken rays peeped into the small rooms, which were closely crowded with miscellaneous furniture and big trunks, wherefore a stern and melancholy semi-darkness always reigned there supreme.