used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The large dining-room, decorated with flowers and plants, wore a festive air, and the long table in the center literally groaned under its burden of fine linen, crystal, and silver.
ablazeadjectiveUS /əˈbleɪz/
keenly excited (especially sexually) or indicating excitement
From this reading From cellar to attic the old mansion was ablaze with light.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading The rarest wines, the richest foods--Helen had spared no expense to make the affair worthy the occasion.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading The large dining-room, decorated with flowers and plants, wore a festive air, and the long table in the center literally groaned under its burden of fine linen, crystal, and silver.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Once more the Traynor residence was filled with the sounds of mirth and revelry.
atticnounUS /ˈætɪk/
floor consisting of open space at the top of a house just below roof; often used for storage
From this reading From cellar to attic the old mansion was ablaze with light.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading The dinner, now drawing to a close, had been a huge success in every way, and, with the serving of the _demi-tasse_, the guests sat back in their chairs, feeling that sense of gluttony satisfied which only a perfect dinner can impart.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The dinner, now drawing to a close, had been a huge success in every way, and, with the serving of the _demi-tasse_, the guests sat back in their chairs, feeling that sense of gluttony satisfied which only a perfect dinner can impart.
an onerous or difficult concern
From this reading The large dining-room, decorated with flowers and plants, wore a festive air, and the long table in the center literally groaned under its burden of fine linen, crystal, and silver.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading The dinner, now drawing to a close, had been a huge success in every way, and, with the serving of the _demi-tasse_, the guests sat back in their chairs, feeling that sense of gluttony satisfied which only a perfect dinner can impart.
cellarnounUS /ˈselər/
the lowermost portion of a structure partly or wholly below ground level; often used for storage
From this reading From cellar to attic the old mansion was ablaze with light.
centernounUS /ˈsɛn.tər/
The middle point or core of an area.
From this reading The large dining-room, decorated with flowers and plants, wore a festive air, and the long table in the center literally groaned under its burden of fine linen, crystal, and silver.
plural of “chair” — a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading The dinner, now drawing to a close, had been a huge success in every way, and, with the serving of the _demi-tasse_, the guests sat back in their chairs, feeling that sense of gluttony satisfied which only a perfect dinner can impart.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading The dinner, now drawing to a close, had been a huge success in every way, and, with the serving of the _demi-tasse_, the guests sat back in their chairs, feeling that sense of gluttony satisfied which only a perfect dinner can impart.
crystalnounUS /ˈkrɪstəl/
a solid formed by the solidification of a chemical and having a highly regular atomic structure
From this reading The large dining-room, decorated with flowers and plants, wore a festive air, and the long table in the center literally groaned under its burden of fine linen, crystal, and silver.
decoratedadjectiveUS /ˈdekəreɪtɪd/
provided with something intended to increase its beauty or distinction
From this reading The large dining-room, decorated with flowers and plants, wore a festive air, and the long table in the center literally groaned under its burden of fine linen, crystal, and silver.
demi-tasse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The dinner, now drawing to a close, had been a huge success in every way, and, with the serving of the _demi-tasse_, the guests sat back in their chairs, feeling that sense of gluttony satisfied which only a perfect dinner can impart.
dining-roomnoun
a room used for dining
From this reading The large dining-room, decorated with flowers and plants, wore a festive air, and the long table in the center literally groaned under its burden of fine linen, crystal, and silver.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading The dinner, now drawing to a close, had been a huge success in every way, and, with the serving of the _demi-tasse_, the guests sat back in their chairs, feeling that sense of gluttony satisfied which only a perfect dinner can impart.
an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper
From this reading The dinner, now drawing to a close, had been a huge success in every way, and, with the serving of the _demi-tasse_, the guests sat back in their chairs, feeling that sense of gluttony satisfied which only a perfect dinner can impart.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading The dinner, now drawing to a close, had been a huge success in every way, and, with the serving of the _demi-tasse_, the guests sat back in their chairs, feeling that sense of gluttony satisfied which only a perfect dinner can impart.
amounts paid for goods and services that may be currently tax deductible (as opposed to capital expenditures)
From this reading The rarest wines, the richest foods--Helen had spared no expense to make the affair worthy the occasion.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading The dinner, now drawing to a close, had been a huge success in every way, and, with the serving of the _demi-tasse_, the guests sat back in their chairs, feeling that sense of gluttony satisfied which only a perfect dinner can impart.
festiveadjectiveUS /ˈfestɪv/
offering fun and gaiety
From this reading The large dining-room, decorated with flowers and plants, wore a festive air, and the long table in the center literally groaned under its burden of fine linen, crystal, and silver.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading Once more the Traynor residence was filled with the sounds of mirth and revelry.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading The large dining-room, decorated with flowers and plants, wore a festive air, and the long table in the center literally groaned under its burden of fine linen, crystal, and silver.
plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms
From this reading The large dining-room, decorated with flowers and plants, wore a festive air, and the long table in the center literally groaned under its burden of fine linen, crystal, and silver.
foodsnounUS /fuːdz/
plural of “food” — any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue
From this reading The rarest wines, the richest foods--Helen had spared no expense to make the affair worthy the occasion.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading From cellar to attic the old mansion was ablaze with light.
gluttonynounUS /ˈɡlʌtəni/
habitual eating to excess
From this reading The dinner, now drawing to a close, had been a huge success in every way, and, with the serving of the _demi-tasse_, the guests sat back in their chairs, feeling that sense of gluttony satisfied which only a perfect dinner can impart.
groanedverbUS /ɡroʊnd/
past form of “groan” — indicate pain, discomfort, or displeasure
From this reading The large dining-room, decorated with flowers and plants, wore a festive air, and the long table in the center literally groaned under its burden of fine linen, crystal, and silver.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading The dinner, now drawing to a close, had been a huge success in every way, and, with the serving of the _demi-tasse_, the guests sat back in their chairs, feeling that sense of gluttony satisfied which only a perfect dinner can impart.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The dinner, now drawing to a close, had been a huge success in every way, and, with the serving of the _demi-tasse_, the guests sat back in their chairs, feeling that sense of gluttony satisfied which only a perfect dinner can impart.
(Greek mythology) the beautiful daughter of Zeus and Leda who was abducted by Paris; the Greek army sailed to Troy to get her back which resulted in the Trojan War
From this reading The rarest wines, the richest foods--Helen had spared no expense to make the affair worthy the occasion.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading The dinner, now drawing to a close, had been a huge success in every way, and, with the serving of the _demi-tasse_, the guests sat back in their chairs, feeling that sense of gluttony satisfied which only a perfect dinner can impart.
impartverbUS /ˌɪmˈpɑːrt/
transmit (knowledge or skills)
From this reading The dinner, now drawing to a close, had been a huge success in every way, and, with the serving of the _demi-tasse_, the guests sat back in their chairs, feeling that sense of gluttony satisfied which only a perfect dinner can impart.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The large dining-room, decorated with flowers and plants, wore a festive air, and the long table in the center literally groaned under its burden of fine linen, crystal, and silver.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The large dining-room, decorated with flowers and plants, wore a festive air, and the long table in the center literally groaned under its burden of fine linen, crystal, and silver.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The large dining-room, decorated with flowers and plants, wore a festive air, and the long table in the center literally groaned under its burden of fine linen, crystal, and silver.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading From cellar to attic the old mansion was ablaze with light.
linennounUS /ˈlɪnən/
a fabric woven with fibers from the flax plant
From this reading The large dining-room, decorated with flowers and plants, wore a festive air, and the long table in the center literally groaned under its burden of fine linen, crystal, and silver.
literallyadverbUS /ˈlɪtərəli/
in a literal sense
From this reading The large dining-room, decorated with flowers and plants, wore a festive air, and the long table in the center literally groaned under its burden of fine linen, crystal, and silver.
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 large dining-room, decorated with flowers and plants, wore a festive air, and the long table in the center literally groaned under its burden of fine linen, crystal, and silver.
engage in
From this reading The rarest wines, the richest foods--Helen had spared no expense to make the affair worthy the occasion.
mansionnounUS /ˈmænʃən/
(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided
From this reading From cellar to attic the old mansion was ablaze with light.
mirthnounUS /mɜːrθ/
great merriment
From this reading Once more the Traynor residence was filled with the sounds of mirth and revelry.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Once more the Traynor residence was filled with the sounds of mirth and revelry.
not any; not one
From this reading The rarest wines, the richest foods--Helen had spared no expense to make the affair worthy the occasion.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading The dinner, now drawing to a close, had been a huge success in every way, and, with the serving of the _demi-tasse_, the guests sat back in their chairs, feeling that sense of gluttony satisfied which only a perfect dinner can impart.
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading The rarest wines, the richest foods--Helen had spared no expense to make the affair worthy the occasion.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Once more the Traynor residence was filled with the sounds of mirth and revelry.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading From cellar to attic the old mansion was ablaze with light.
on one occasion
From this reading Once more the Traynor residence was filled with the sounds of mirth and revelry.
and nothing more
From this reading The dinner, now drawing to a close, had been a huge success in every way, and, with the serving of the _demi-tasse_, the guests sat back in their chairs, feeling that sense of gluttony satisfied which only a perfect dinner can impart.
being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish
From this reading The dinner, now drawing to a close, had been a huge success in every way, and, with the serving of the _demi-tasse_, the guests sat back in their chairs, feeling that sense of gluttony satisfied which only a perfect dinner can impart.
plantsnounUS /plænts/
plural of “plant” — buildings for carrying on industrial labor
From this reading The large dining-room, decorated with flowers and plants, wore a festive air, and the long table in the center literally groaned under its burden of fine linen, crystal, and silver.
rarestadjectiveUS /ˈrerəst/
superlative of “rare” — not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
From this reading The rarest wines, the richest foods--Helen had spared no expense to make the affair worthy the occasion.
residencenounUS /ˈrezɪdəns/
any address at which you dwell more than temporarily
From this reading Once more the Traynor residence was filled with the sounds of mirth and revelry.
revelrynounUS /ˈrevəlri/
unrestrained merrymaking
From this reading Once more the Traynor residence was filled with the sounds of mirth and revelry.
richestadjectiveUS /ˈrɪtʃəst/
superlative of “rich” — possessing material wealth
From this reading The rarest wines, the richest foods--Helen had spared no expense to make the affair worthy the occasion.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading The dinner, now drawing to a close, had been a huge success in every way, and, with the serving of the _demi-tasse_, the guests sat back in their chairs, feeling that sense of gluttony satisfied which only a perfect dinner can impart.
filled with satisfaction
From this reading The dinner, now drawing to a close, had been a huge success in every way, and, with the serving of the _demi-tasse_, the guests sat back in their chairs, feeling that sense of gluttony satisfied which only a perfect dinner can impart.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading The dinner, now drawing to a close, had been a huge success in every way, and, with the serving of the _demi-tasse_, the guests sat back in their chairs, feeling that sense of gluttony satisfied which only a perfect dinner can impart.
servingnounUS /ˈsɜːrvɪŋ/
an individual quantity of food or drink taken as part of a meal
From this reading The dinner, now drawing to a close, had been a huge success in every way, and, with the serving of the _demi-tasse_, the guests sat back in their chairs, feeling that sense of gluttony satisfied which only a perfect dinner can impart.
a soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal; occurs in argentite and in free form; used in coins and jewelry and tableware and photography
From this reading The large dining-room, decorated with flowers and plants, wore a festive air, and the long table in the center literally groaned under its burden of fine linen, crystal, and silver.
plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading Once more the Traynor residence was filled with the sounds of mirth and revelry.
sparedverbUS /sperd/
past form of “spare” — refrain from harming
From this reading The rarest wines, the richest foods--Helen had spared no expense to make the affair worthy the occasion.
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading The dinner, now drawing to a close, had been a huge success in every way, and, with the serving of the _demi-tasse_, the guests sat back in their chairs, feeling that sense of gluttony satisfied which only a perfect dinner can impart.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading The large dining-room, decorated with flowers and plants, wore a festive air, and the long table in the center literally groaned under its burden of fine linen, crystal, and silver.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The dinner, now drawing to a close, had been a huge success in every way, and, with the serving of the _demi-tasse_, the guests sat back in their chairs, feeling that sense of gluttony satisfied which only a perfect dinner can impart.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Once more the Traynor residence was filled with the sounds of mirth and revelry.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The dinner, now drawing to a close, had been a huge success in every way, and, with the serving of the _demi-tasse_, the guests sat back in their chairs, feeling that sense of gluttony satisfied which only a perfect dinner can impart.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading From cellar to attic the old mansion was ablaze with light.
Traynor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Once more the Traynor residence was filled with the sounds of mirth and revelry.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading The large dining-room, decorated with flowers and plants, wore a festive air, and the long table in the center literally groaned under its burden of fine linen, crystal, and silver.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Once more the Traynor residence was filled with the sounds of mirth and revelry.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading The dinner, now drawing to a close, had been a huge success in every way, and, with the serving of the _demi-tasse_, the guests sat back in their chairs, feeling that sense of gluttony satisfied which only a perfect dinner can impart.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The dinner, now drawing to a close, had been a huge success in every way, and, with the serving of the _demi-tasse_, the guests sat back in their chairs, feeling that sense of gluttony satisfied which only a perfect dinner can impart.
winesnounUS /waɪnz/
plural of “wine” — fermented juice (of grapes especially)
From this reading The rarest wines, the richest foods--Helen had spared no expense to make the affair worthy the occasion.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Once more the Traynor residence was filled with the sounds of mirth and revelry.
inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in
From this reading The large dining-room, decorated with flowers and plants, wore a festive air, and the long table in the center literally groaned under its burden of fine linen, crystal, and silver.
Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.
From this reading The rarest wines, the richest foods--Helen had spared no expense to make the affair worthy the occasion.
