used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading For Cydonia was a miracle.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading Cydonia sat in the window seat, her face full of dreams, her white hands folded above her needlework.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading The smooth and slender fingers with their faintly pink nails, the small head so proudly set on the long rounded neck, her air of self-possession, of calm dignity suggested an ancient lineage that in truth was not hers.
(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 From the union of a withered, elderly governess with a rich cheesemonger past the prime of life she had sprung on an astounded world this exquisite young creature with all the outward signs of patrician birth.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The smooth and slender fingers with their faintly pink nails, the small head so proudly set on the long rounded neck, her air of self-possession, of calm dignity suggested an ancient lineage that in truth was not hers.
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading The smooth and slender fingers with their faintly pink nails, the small head so proudly set on the long rounded neck, her air of self-possession, of calm dignity suggested an ancient lineage that in truth was not hers.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The smooth and slender fingers with their faintly pink nails, the small head so proudly set on the long rounded neck, her air of self-possession, of calm dignity suggested an ancient lineage that in truth was not hers.
astoundedadjectiveUS /əˈstaʊndɪd/
filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock
From this reading From the union of a withered, elderly governess with a rich cheesemonger past the prime of life she had sprung on an astounded world this exquisite young creature with all the outward signs of patrician birth.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading In a freakish spring-tide mood Dame Nature had evolved a jest at the expense of caste.
the time when something begins (especially life)
From this reading From the union of a withered, elderly governess with a rich cheesemonger past the prime of life she had sprung on an astounded world this exquisite young creature with all the outward signs of patrician birth.
make calm or still
From this reading The smooth and slender fingers with their faintly pink nails, the small head so proudly set on the long rounded neck, her air of self-possession, of calm dignity suggested an ancient lineage that in truth was not hers.
castenounUS /kæst/
social status or position conferred by a system based on class
From this reading In a freakish spring-tide mood Dame Nature had evolved a jest at the expense of caste.
cheesemongernoun
someone who sells cheese
From this reading From the union of a withered, elderly governess with a rich cheesemonger past the prime of life she had sprung on an astounded world this exquisite young creature with all the outward signs of patrician birth.
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading From the union of a withered, elderly governess with a rich cheesemonger past the prime of life she had sprung on an astounded world this exquisite young creature with all the outward signs of patrician birth.
CydonianounUS /sɪˈdoʊniə/
quince
From this reading Cydonia sat in the window seat, her face full of dreams, her white hands folded above her needlework.
DamenounUS /deɪm/
informal terms for a (young) woman
From this reading In a freakish spring-tide mood Dame Nature had evolved a jest at the expense of caste.
the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect
From this reading The smooth and slender fingers with their faintly pink nails, the small head so proudly set on the long rounded neck, her air of self-possession, of calm dignity suggested an ancient lineage that in truth was not hers.
plural of “dream” — a series of mental images and emotions occurring during sleep
From this reading Cydonia sat in the window seat, her face full of dreams, her white hands folded above her needlework.
elderlyadjectiveUS /ˈeldərli/
advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)
From this reading From the union of a withered, elderly governess with a rich cheesemonger past the prime of life she had sprung on an astounded world this exquisite young creature with all the outward signs of patrician birth.
evolvedverbUS /ɪˈvɑːlvd/
past form of “evolve” — work out
From this reading In a freakish spring-tide mood Dame Nature had evolved a jest at the expense of caste.
expensenounUS /ɪkˈspens/
amounts paid for goods and services that may be currently tax deductible (as opposed to capital expenditures)
From this reading In a freakish spring-tide mood Dame Nature had evolved a jest at the expense of caste.
exquisiteadjectiveUS /ˈekskwəzət/
intense or sharp
From this reading From the union of a withered, elderly governess with a rich cheesemonger past the prime of life she had sprung on an astounded world this exquisite young creature with all the outward signs of patrician birth.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading Cydonia sat in the window seat, her face full of dreams, her white hands folded above her needlework.
faintlyadverbUS /ˈfeɪntli/
to a faint degree or weakly perceived
From this reading The smooth and slender fingers with their faintly pink nails, the small head so proudly set on the long rounded neck, her air of self-possession, of calm dignity suggested an ancient lineage that in truth was not hers.
plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)
From this reading The smooth and slender fingers with their faintly pink nails, the small head so proudly set on the long rounded neck, her air of self-possession, of calm dignity suggested an ancient lineage that in truth was not hers.
past form of “fold” — bend or lay so that one part covers the other
From this reading Cydonia sat in the window seat, her face full of dreams, her white hands folded above her needlework.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For Cydonia was a miracle.
freakishadjective
changeable
From this reading In a freakish spring-tide mood Dame Nature had evolved a jest at the expense of caste.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading From the union of a withered, elderly governess with a rich cheesemonger past the prime of life she had sprung on an astounded world this exquisite young creature with all the outward signs of patrician birth.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading Cydonia sat in the window seat, her face full of dreams, her white hands folded above her needlework.
governessnounUS /ˈɡʌvərnəs/
a woman entrusted with the care and supervision of a child (especially in a private home)
From this reading From the union of a withered, elderly governess with a rich cheesemonger past the prime of life she had sprung on an astounded world this exquisite young creature with all the outward signs of patrician birth.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading In a freakish spring-tide mood Dame Nature had evolved a jest at the expense of caste.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading Cydonia sat in the window seat, her face full of dreams, her white hands folded above her needlework.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading The smooth and slender fingers with their faintly pink nails, the small head so proudly set on the long rounded neck, her air of self-possession, of calm dignity suggested an ancient lineage that in truth was not hers.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Cydonia sat in the window seat, her face full of dreams, her white hands folded above her needlework.
the one or ones belonging to her
From this reading The smooth and slender fingers with their faintly pink nails, the small head so proudly set on the long rounded neck, her air of self-possession, of calm dignity suggested an ancient lineage that in truth was not hers.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Cydonia sat in the window seat, her face full of dreams, her white hands folded above her needlework.
a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter
From this reading In a freakish spring-tide mood Dame Nature had evolved a jest at the expense of caste.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading From the union of a withered, elderly governess with a rich cheesemonger past the prime of life she had sprung on an astounded world this exquisite young creature with all the outward signs of patrician birth.
lineagenounUS /ˈlɪniədʒ/
the descendants of one individual
From this reading The smooth and slender fingers with their faintly pink nails, the small head so proudly set on the long rounded neck, her air of self-possession, of calm dignity suggested an ancient lineage that in truth was not hers.
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 The smooth and slender fingers with their faintly pink nails, the small head so proudly set on the long rounded neck, her air of self-possession, of calm dignity suggested an ancient lineage that in truth was not hers.
miraclenounUS /ˈmɪrəkəl/
any amazing or wonderful occurrence
From this reading For Cydonia was a miracle.
a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
From this reading In a freakish spring-tide mood Dame Nature had evolved a jest at the expense of caste.
nailsnounUS /neɪlz/
plural of “nail” — horny plate covering and protecting part of the dorsal surface of the digits
From this reading The smooth and slender fingers with their faintly pink nails, the small head so proudly set on the long rounded neck, her air of self-possession, of calm dignity suggested an ancient lineage that in truth was not hers.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading In a freakish spring-tide mood Dame Nature had evolved a jest at the expense of caste.
the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body
From this reading The smooth and slender fingers with their faintly pink nails, the small head so proudly set on the long rounded neck, her air of self-possession, of calm dignity suggested an ancient lineage that in truth was not hers.
needleworknounUS /ˈniːdəlwɜːrk/
a creation created or assembled by needle and thread
From this reading Cydonia sat in the window seat, her face full of dreams, her white hands folded above her needlework.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The smooth and slender fingers with their faintly pink nails, the small head so proudly set on the long rounded neck, her air of self-possession, of calm dignity suggested an ancient lineage that in truth was not hers.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Cydonia sat in the window seat, her face full of dreams, her white hands folded above her needlework.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The smooth and slender fingers with their faintly pink nails, the small head so proudly set on the long rounded neck, her air of self-possession, of calm dignity suggested an ancient lineage that in truth was not hers.
outwardadjectiveUS /ˈaʊtwərd/
relating to physical reality rather than with thoughts or the mind
From this reading From the union of a withered, elderly governess with a rich cheesemonger past the prime of life she had sprung on an astounded world this exquisite young creature with all the outward signs of patrician birth.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading From the union of a withered, elderly governess with a rich cheesemonger past the prime of life she had sprung on an astounded world this exquisite young creature with all the outward signs of patrician birth.
patriciannounUS /pəˈtrɪʃən/
a person of refined upbringing and manners
From this reading From the union of a withered, elderly governess with a rich cheesemonger past the prime of life she had sprung on an astounded world this exquisite young creature with all the outward signs of patrician birth.
a light shade of red
From this reading The smooth and slender fingers with their faintly pink nails, the small head so proudly set on the long rounded neck, her air of self-possession, of calm dignity suggested an ancient lineage that in truth was not hers.
primeadjectiveUS /praɪm/
first in rank or degree
From this reading From the union of a withered, elderly governess with a rich cheesemonger past the prime of life she had sprung on an astounded world this exquisite young creature with all the outward signs of patrician birth.
proudlyadverbUS /ˈpraʊdli/
with pride; in a proud manner
From this reading The smooth and slender fingers with their faintly pink nails, the small head so proudly set on the long rounded neck, her air of self-possession, of calm dignity suggested an ancient lineage that in truth was not hers.
possessing material wealth
From this reading From the union of a withered, elderly governess with a rich cheesemonger past the prime of life she had sprung on an astounded world this exquisite young creature with all the outward signs of patrician birth.
roundedadjectiveUS /ˈraʊndəd/
curving and somewhat round in shape rather than jagged
From this reading The smooth and slender fingers with their faintly pink nails, the small head so proudly set on the long rounded neck, her air of self-possession, of calm dignity suggested an ancient lineage that in truth was not hers.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading Cydonia sat in the window seat, her face full of dreams, her white hands folded above her needlework.
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading Cydonia sat in the window seat, her face full of dreams, her white hands folded above her needlework.
self-possessionnoun
the trait of resolutely controlling your own behavior
From this reading The smooth and slender fingers with their faintly pink nails, the small head so proudly set on the long rounded neck, her air of self-possession, of calm dignity suggested an ancient lineage that in truth was not hers.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading The smooth and slender fingers with their faintly pink nails, the small head so proudly set on the long rounded neck, her air of self-possession, of calm dignity suggested an ancient lineage that in truth was not hers.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading From the union of a withered, elderly governess with a rich cheesemonger past the prime of life she had sprung on an astounded world this exquisite young creature with all the outward signs of patrician birth.
plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading From the union of a withered, elderly governess with a rich cheesemonger past the prime of life she had sprung on an astounded world this exquisite young creature with all the outward signs of patrician birth.
being of delicate or slender build
From this reading The smooth and slender fingers with their faintly pink nails, the small head so proudly set on the long rounded neck, her air of self-possession, of calm dignity suggested an ancient lineage that in truth was not hers.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The smooth and slender fingers with their faintly pink nails, the small head so proudly set on the long rounded neck, her air of self-possession, of calm dignity suggested an ancient lineage that in truth was not hers.
having a surface free from roughness or bumps or ridges or irregularities
From this reading The smooth and slender fingers with their faintly pink nails, the small head so proudly set on the long rounded neck, her air of self-possession, of calm dignity suggested an ancient lineage that in truth was not hers.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The smooth and slender fingers with their faintly pink nails, the small head so proudly set on the long rounded neck, her air of self-possession, of calm dignity suggested an ancient lineage that in truth was not hers.
spring-tide
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a freakish spring-tide mood Dame Nature had evolved a jest at the expense of caste.
sprungverbUS /sprʌŋ/
inflected form of “spring” — move forward by leaps and bounds
From this reading From the union of a withered, elderly governess with a rich cheesemonger past the prime of life she had sprung on an astounded world this exquisite young creature with all the outward signs of patrician birth.
past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading The smooth and slender fingers with their faintly pink nails, the small head so proudly set on the long rounded neck, her air of self-possession, of calm dignity suggested an ancient lineage that in truth was not hers.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The smooth and slender fingers with their faintly pink nails, the small head so proudly set on the long rounded neck, her air of self-possession, of calm dignity suggested an ancient lineage that in truth was not hers.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Cydonia sat in the window seat, her face full of dreams, her white hands folded above her needlework.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The smooth and slender fingers with their faintly pink nails, the small head so proudly set on the long rounded neck, her air of self-possession, of calm dignity suggested an ancient lineage that in truth was not hers.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading From the union of a withered, elderly governess with a rich cheesemonger past the prime of life she had sprung on an astounded world this exquisite young creature with all the outward signs of patrician birth.
a fact that has been verified
From this reading The smooth and slender fingers with their faintly pink nails, the small head so proudly set on the long rounded neck, her air of self-possession, of calm dignity suggested an ancient lineage that in truth was not hers.
an organization of employees formed to bargain with the employer
From this reading From the union of a withered, elderly governess with a rich cheesemonger past the prime of life she had sprung on an astounded world this exquisite young creature with all the outward signs of patrician birth.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The smooth and slender fingers with their faintly pink nails, the small head so proudly set on the long rounded neck, her air of self-possession, of calm dignity suggested an ancient lineage that in truth was not hers.
a Caucasian
From this reading Cydonia sat in the window seat, her face full of dreams, her white hands folded above her needlework.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading Cydonia sat in the window seat, her face full of dreams, her white hands folded above her needlework.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The smooth and slender fingers with their faintly pink nails, the small head so proudly set on the long rounded neck, her air of self-possession, of calm dignity suggested an ancient lineage that in truth was not hers.
witheredadjectiveUS /ˈwɪðərd/
lean and wrinkled by shrinkage as from age or illness
From this reading From the union of a withered, elderly governess with a rich cheesemonger past the prime of life she had sprung on an astounded world this exquisite young creature with all the outward signs of patrician birth.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading From the union of a withered, elderly governess with a rich cheesemonger past the prime of life she had sprung on an astounded world this exquisite young creature with all the outward signs of patrician birth.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading From the union of a withered, elderly governess with a rich cheesemonger past the prime of life she had sprung on an astounded world this exquisite young creature with all the outward signs of patrician birth.
