used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Aunt Phasie died, in a final convulsion, at nine o'clock on Thursday evening; and Misard, standing at the bedside, tried in vain to close her lids.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The head had become rigid, and was slightly inclined over the shoulder, as if looking about the room, while a contraction of the lips seemed to have curled them upward in a jeering smile.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Aunt Phasie died, in a final convulsion, at nine o'clock on Thursday evening; and Misard, standing at the bedside, tried in vain to close her lids.
appriseverbUS /əˈpraɪz/
inform (somebody) of something
From this reading Misard, to get rid of Flore, at once sent her off to Doinville to apprise the authorities of the decease.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The head had become rigid, and was slightly inclined over the shoulder, as if looking about the room, while a contraction of the lips seemed to have curled them upward in a jeering smile.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Aunt Phasie died, in a final convulsion, at nine o'clock on Thursday evening; and Misard, standing at the bedside, tried in vain to close her lids.
the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading Aunt Phasie died, in a final convulsion, at nine o'clock on Thursday evening; and Misard, standing at the bedside, tried in vain to close her lids.
authoritiesnounUS /əˈθɔːrətiz/
the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit
From this reading Misard, to get rid of Flore, at once sent her off to Doinville to apprise the authorities of the decease.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading The head had become rigid, and was slightly inclined over the shoulder, as if looking about the room, while a contraction of the lips seemed to have curled them upward in a jeering smile.
bedsidenounUS /ˈbedsaɪd/
space by the side of a bed (especially the bed of a sick or dying person)
From this reading Aunt Phasie died, in a final convulsion, at nine o'clock on Thursday evening; and Misard, standing at the bedside, tried in vain to close her lids.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading A single candle, stuck on the corner of a table near her, lighted the surroundings; and the trains passing by, full speed, in ignorance of the corpse being there, made it quiver for a second or two in the vacillating light.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A single candle, stuck on the corner of a table near her, lighted the surroundings; and the trains passing by, full speed, in ignorance of the corpse being there, made it quiver for a second or two in the vacillating light.
stick of wax with a wick in the middle
From this reading A single candle, stuck on the corner of a table near her, lighted the surroundings; and the trains passing by, full speed, in ignorance of the corpse being there, made it quiver for a second or two in the vacillating light.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading Aunt Phasie died, in a final convulsion, at nine o'clock on Thursday evening; and Misard, standing at the bedside, tried in vain to close her lids.
contractionnounUS /kənˈtrækʃən/
(physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber)
From this reading The head had become rigid, and was slightly inclined over the shoulder, as if looking about the room, while a contraction of the lips seemed to have curled them upward in a jeering smile.
convulsionnounUS /kənˈvʌlʃən/
a sudden uncontrollable attack
From this reading Aunt Phasie died, in a final convulsion, at nine o'clock on Thursday evening; and Misard, standing at the bedside, tried in vain to close her lids.
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading A single candle, stuck on the corner of a table near her, lighted the surroundings; and the trains passing by, full speed, in ignorance of the corpse being there, made it quiver for a second or two in the vacillating light.
corpsenounUS /kɔːrps/
the dead body of a human being
From this reading A single candle, stuck on the corner of a table near her, lighted the surroundings; and the trains passing by, full speed, in ignorance of the corpse being there, made it quiver for a second or two in the vacillating light.
curledadjectiveUS /kɜːrld/
(of hair) making curls or having been made to curl
From this reading The head had become rigid, and was slightly inclined over the shoulder, as if looking about the room, while a contraction of the lips seemed to have curled them upward in a jeering smile.
deceasenounUS /dɪˈsiːs/
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading Misard, to get rid of Flore, at once sent her off to Doinville to apprise the authorities of the decease.
past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life
From this reading Aunt Phasie died, in a final convulsion, at nine o'clock on Thursday evening; and Misard, standing at the bedside, tried in vain to close her lids.
Doinville
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Misard, to get rid of Flore, at once sent her off to Doinville to apprise the authorities of the decease.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading Aunt Phasie died, in a final convulsion, at nine o'clock on Thursday evening; and Misard, standing at the bedside, tried in vain to close her lids.
opinion or judgment
From this reading The eyes obstinately remained open.
finaladjectiveUS /ˈfaɪnəl/
occurring at or forming an end or termination
From this reading Aunt Phasie died, in a final convulsion, at nine o'clock on Thursday evening; and Misard, standing at the bedside, tried in vain to close her lids.
Flore
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Misard, to get rid of Flore, at once sent her off to Doinville to apprise the authorities of the decease.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A single candle, stuck on the corner of a table near her, lighted the surroundings; and the trains passing by, full speed, in ignorance of the corpse being there, made it quiver for a second or two in the vacillating light.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading A single candle, stuck on the corner of a table near her, lighted the surroundings; and the trains passing by, full speed, in ignorance of the corpse being there, made it quiver for a second or two in the vacillating light.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading Misard, to get rid of Flore, at once sent her off to Doinville to apprise the authorities of the decease.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The head had become rigid, and was slightly inclined over the shoulder, as if looking about the room, while a contraction of the lips seemed to have curled them upward in a jeering smile.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The head had become rigid, and was slightly inclined over the shoulder, as if looking about the room, while a contraction of the lips seemed to have curled them upward in a jeering smile.
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 head had become rigid, and was slightly inclined over the shoulder, as if looking about the room, while a contraction of the lips seemed to have curled them upward in a jeering smile.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Aunt Phasie died, in a final convulsion, at nine o'clock on Thursday evening; and Misard, standing at the bedside, tried in vain to close her lids.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading The head had become rigid, and was slightly inclined over the shoulder, as if looking about the room, while a contraction of the lips seemed to have curled them upward in a jeering smile.
the lack of knowledge or education
From this reading A single candle, stuck on the corner of a table near her, lighted the surroundings; and the trains passing by, full speed, in ignorance of the corpse being there, made it quiver for a second or two in the vacillating light.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Aunt Phasie died, in a final convulsion, at nine o'clock on Thursday evening; and Misard, standing at the bedside, tried in vain to close her lids.
(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency
From this reading The head had become rigid, and was slightly inclined over the shoulder, as if looking about the room, while a contraction of the lips seemed to have curled them upward in a jeering smile.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A single candle, stuck on the corner of a table near her, lighted the surroundings; and the trains passing by, full speed, in ignorance of the corpse being there, made it quiver for a second or two in the vacillating light.
jeeringnounUS /ˈdʒiːrɪŋ/
showing your contempt by derision
From this reading The head had become rigid, and was slightly inclined over the shoulder, as if looking about the room, while a contraction of the lips seemed to have curled them upward in a jeering smile.
lidsnounUS /lɪdz/
plural of “lid” — either of two folds of skin that can be moved to cover or open the eye
From this reading Aunt Phasie died, in a final convulsion, at nine o'clock on Thursday evening; and Misard, standing at the bedside, tried in vain to close her lids.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading A single candle, stuck on the corner of a table near her, lighted the surroundings; and the trains passing by, full speed, in ignorance of the corpse being there, made it quiver for a second or two in the vacillating light.
set afire or burning
From this reading A single candle, stuck on the corner of a table near her, lighted the surroundings; and the trains passing by, full speed, in ignorance of the corpse being there, made it quiver for a second or two in the vacillating light.
plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking
From this reading The head had become rigid, and was slightly inclined over the shoulder, as if looking about the room, while a contraction of the lips seemed to have curled them upward in a jeering smile.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading The head had become rigid, and was slightly inclined over the shoulder, as if looking about the room, while a contraction of the lips seemed to have curled them upward in a jeering smile.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading A single candle, stuck on the corner of a table near her, lighted the surroundings; and the trains passing by, full speed, in ignorance of the corpse being there, made it quiver for a second or two in the vacillating light.
Misard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Aunt Phasie died, in a final convulsion, at nine o'clock on Thursday evening; and Misard, standing at the bedside, tried in vain to close her lids.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading A single candle, stuck on the corner of a table near her, lighted the surroundings; and the trains passing by, full speed, in ignorance of the corpse being there, made it quiver for a second or two in the vacillating light.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
From this reading Aunt Phasie died, in a final convulsion, at nine o'clock on Thursday evening; and Misard, standing at the bedside, tried in vain to close her lids.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading Aunt Phasie died, in a final convulsion, at nine o'clock on Thursday evening; and Misard, standing at the bedside, tried in vain to close her lids.
obstinatelyadverb
in a stubborn unregenerate manner
From this reading The eyes obstinately remained open.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The head had become rigid, and was slightly inclined over the shoulder, as if looking about the room, while a contraction of the lips seemed to have curled them upward in a jeering smile.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Misard, to get rid of Flore, at once sent her off to Doinville to apprise the authorities of the decease.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Aunt Phasie died, in a final convulsion, at nine o'clock on Thursday evening; and Misard, standing at the bedside, tried in vain to close her lids.
on one occasion
From this reading Misard, to get rid of Flore, at once sent her off to Doinville to apprise the authorities of the decease.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading The eyes obstinately remained open.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading A single candle, stuck on the corner of a table near her, lighted the surroundings; and the trains passing by, full speed, in ignorance of the corpse being there, made it quiver for a second or two in the vacillating light.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The head had become rigid, and was slightly inclined over the shoulder, as if looking about the room, while a contraction of the lips seemed to have curled them upward in a jeering smile.
(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate
From this reading A single candle, stuck on the corner of a table near her, lighted the surroundings; and the trains passing by, full speed, in ignorance of the corpse being there, made it quiver for a second or two in the vacillating light.
Phasie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Aunt Phasie died, in a final convulsion, at nine o'clock on Thursday evening; and Misard, standing at the bedside, tried in vain to close her lids.
quiververbUS /ˈkwɪvər/
shake with fast, tremulous movements
From this reading A single candle, stuck on the corner of a table near her, lighted the surroundings; and the trains passing by, full speed, in ignorance of the corpse being there, made it quiver for a second or two in the vacillating light.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading The eyes obstinately remained open.
relieve from
From this reading Misard, to get rid of Flore, at once sent her off to Doinville to apprise the authorities of the decease.
rigidadjectiveUS /ˈrɪdʒəd/
incapable of or resistant to bending
From this reading The head had become rigid, and was slightly inclined over the shoulder, as if looking about the room, while a contraction of the lips seemed to have curled them upward in a jeering smile.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading The head had become rigid, and was slightly inclined over the shoulder, as if looking about the room, while a contraction of the lips seemed to have curled them upward in a jeering smile.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading A single candle, stuck on the corner of a table near her, lighted the surroundings; and the trains passing by, full speed, in ignorance of the corpse being there, made it quiver for a second or two in the vacillating light.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The head had become rigid, and was slightly inclined over the shoulder, as if looking about the room, while a contraction of the lips seemed to have curled them upward in a jeering smile.
100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia
From this reading Misard, to get rid of Flore, at once sent her off to Doinville to apprise the authorities of the decease.
lift onto one's shoulders
From this reading The head had become rigid, and was slightly inclined over the shoulder, as if looking about the room, while a contraction of the lips seemed to have curled them upward in a jeering smile.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading A single candle, stuck on the corner of a table near her, lighted the surroundings; and the trains passing by, full speed, in ignorance of the corpse being there, made it quiver for a second or two in the vacillating light.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading The head had become rigid, and was slightly inclined over the shoulder, as if looking about the room, while a contraction of the lips seemed to have curled them upward in a jeering smile.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading The head had become rigid, and was slightly inclined over the shoulder, as if looking about the room, while a contraction of the lips seemed to have curled them upward in a jeering smile.
move hurridly
From this reading A single candle, stuck on the corner of a table near her, lighted the surroundings; and the trains passing by, full speed, in ignorance of the corpse being there, made it quiver for a second or two in the vacillating light.
having a supporting base
From this reading Aunt Phasie died, in a final convulsion, at nine o'clock on Thursday evening; and Misard, standing at the bedside, tried in vain to close her lids.
caught or fixed
From this reading A single candle, stuck on the corner of a table near her, lighted the surroundings; and the trains passing by, full speed, in ignorance of the corpse being there, made it quiver for a second or two in the vacillating light.
surroundingsnounUS /sərˈaʊndɪŋz/
the environmental condition
From this reading A single candle, stuck on the corner of a table near her, lighted the surroundings; and the trains passing by, full speed, in ignorance of the corpse being there, made it quiver for a second or two in the vacillating light.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading A single candle, stuck on the corner of a table near her, lighted the surroundings; and the trains passing by, full speed, in ignorance of the corpse being there, made it quiver for a second or two in the vacillating light.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Aunt Phasie died, in a final convulsion, at nine o'clock on Thursday evening; and Misard, standing at the bedside, tried in vain to close her lids.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The head had become rigid, and was slightly inclined over the shoulder, as if looking about the room, while a contraction of the lips seemed to have curled them upward in a jeering smile.
in or at that place or location
From this reading A single candle, stuck on the corner of a table near her, lighted the surroundings; and the trains passing by, full speed, in ignorance of the corpse being there, made it quiver for a second or two in the vacillating light.
ThursdaynounUS /ˈθɜːrzdeɪ/
the fifth day of the week; the fourth working day
From this reading Aunt Phasie died, in a final convulsion, at nine o'clock on Thursday evening; and Misard, standing at the bedside, tried in vain to close her lids.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Aunt Phasie died, in a final convulsion, at nine o'clock on Thursday evening; and Misard, standing at the bedside, tried in vain to close her lids.
trainsnounUS /treɪnz/
plural of “train” — public transport provided by a line of railway cars coupled together and drawn by a locomotive
From this reading A single candle, stuck on the corner of a table near her, lighted the surroundings; and the trains passing by, full speed, in ignorance of the corpse being there, made it quiver for a second or two in the vacillating light.
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading Aunt Phasie died, in a final convulsion, at nine o'clock on Thursday evening; and Misard, standing at the bedside, tried in vain to close her lids.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading A single candle, stuck on the corner of a table near her, lighted the surroundings; and the trains passing by, full speed, in ignorance of the corpse being there, made it quiver for a second or two in the vacillating light.
directed up
From this reading The head had become rigid, and was slightly inclined over the shoulder, as if looking about the room, while a contraction of the lips seemed to have curled them upward in a jeering smile.
vacillatingadjectiveUS /ˈvæsəleɪtɪŋ/
uncertain in purpose or action
From this reading A single candle, stuck on the corner of a table near her, lighted the surroundings; and the trains passing by, full speed, in ignorance of the corpse being there, made it quiver for a second or two in the vacillating light.
characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
From this reading Aunt Phasie died, in a final convulsion, at nine o'clock on Thursday evening; and Misard, standing at the bedside, tried in vain to close her lids.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The head had become rigid, and was slightly inclined over the shoulder, as if looking about the room, while a contraction of the lips seemed to have curled them upward in a jeering smile.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading The head had become rigid, and was slightly inclined over the shoulder, as if looking about the room, while a contraction of the lips seemed to have curled them upward in a jeering smile.
