used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A FASCINATING WOMAN Mrs. Jessop's simple parlor had been transformed beyond recognition.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading She was dressed entirely in black, her wonderfully fine arms and shoulders gleamed dazzling almost as the diamonds that were as frosty stars in the glorious night of her hair.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The fine Chippendale furniture had been brought forward; the gaudy settees and sofas had been covered with fine, Eastern silks and tapestries.
weapons considered collectively
From this reading She was dressed entirely in black, her wonderfully fine arms and shoulders gleamed dazzling almost as the diamonds that were as frosty stars in the glorious night of her hair.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As Geoffrey was ushered in Mrs. May came forward.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading A FASCINATING WOMAN Mrs. Jessop's simple parlor had been transformed beyond recognition.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading A FASCINATING WOMAN Mrs. Jessop's simple parlor had been transformed beyond recognition.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading She was dressed entirely in black, her wonderfully fine arms and shoulders gleamed dazzling almost as the diamonds that were as frosty stars in the glorious night of her hair.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading The fine Chippendale furniture had been brought forward; the gaudy settees and sofas had been covered with fine, Eastern silks and tapestries.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading As Geoffrey was ushered in Mrs. May came forward.
candlesnounUS /ˈkændəlz/
plural of “candle” — stick of wax with a wick in the middle
From this reading A pair of old Dresden candlesticks stood on the table, and under pink shades the candles cast a glamor of subdued light upon damask and silver and china.
candlesticksnounUS /ˈkændəlstɪks/
plural of “candlestick” — a holder with sockets for candles
From this reading A pair of old Dresden candlesticks stood on the table, and under pink shades the candles cast a glamor of subdued light upon damask and silver and china.
put or send forth
From this reading A pair of old Dresden candlesticks stood on the table, and under pink shades the candles cast a glamor of subdued light upon damask and silver and china.
chinanounUS /ˈtʃaɪnə/
a communist nation that covers a vast territory in eastern Asia; the most populous country in the world
From this reading A pair of old Dresden candlesticks stood on the table, and under pink shades the candles cast a glamor of subdued light upon damask and silver and china.
ChippendalenounUS /ˈtʃɪpədeɪl/
a British cabinetmaker remembered for his graceful designs (especially of chairs) which influenced his contemporaries (1718-1779)
From this reading The fine Chippendale furniture had been brought forward; the gaudy settees and sofas had been covered with fine, Eastern silks and tapestries.
overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form
From this reading The fine Chippendale furniture had been brought forward; the gaudy settees and sofas had been covered with fine, Eastern silks and tapestries.
damasknounUS /ˈdæməsk/
a table linen made from linen with a damask pattern
From this reading A pair of old Dresden candlesticks stood on the table, and under pink shades the candles cast a glamor of subdued light upon damask and silver and china.
dazzlingadjectiveUS /ˈdæzəlɪŋ/
amazingly impressive; suggestive of the flashing of lightning
From this reading She was dressed entirely in black, her wonderfully fine arms and shoulders gleamed dazzling almost as the diamonds that were as frosty stars in the glorious night of her hair.
diamondsnounUS /ˈdaɪməndz/
plural of “diamond” — a transparent piece of diamond that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
From this reading She was dressed entirely in black, her wonderfully fine arms and shoulders gleamed dazzling almost as the diamonds that were as frosty stars in the glorious night of her hair.
DresdennounUS /ˈdrezdɪn/
a city in southeastern Germany on the Elbe River; it was almost totally destroyed by British air raids in 1945
From this reading A pair of old Dresden candlesticks stood on the table, and under pink shades the candles cast a glamor of subdued light upon damask and silver and china.
dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination
From this reading She was dressed entirely in black, her wonderfully fine arms and shoulders gleamed dazzling almost as the diamonds that were as frosty stars in the glorious night of her hair.
lying toward or situated in the east
From this reading The fine Chippendale furniture had been brought forward; the gaudy settees and sofas had been covered with fine, Eastern silks and tapestries.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading She was dressed entirely in black, her wonderfully fine arms and shoulders gleamed dazzling almost as the diamonds that were as frosty stars in the glorious night of her hair.
FASCINATINGadjectiveUS /ˈfæsəneɪtɪŋ/
capable of arousing and holding the attention
From this reading A FASCINATING WOMAN Mrs. Jessop's simple parlor had been transformed beyond recognition.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading The fine Chippendale furniture had been brought forward; the gaudy settees and sofas had been covered with fine, Eastern silks and tapestries.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading The fine Chippendale furniture had been brought forward; the gaudy settees and sofas had been covered with fine, Eastern silks and tapestries.
frostyadjectiveUS /ˈfrɔːsti/
devoid of warmth and cordiality; expressive of unfriendliness or disdain
From this reading She was dressed entirely in black, her wonderfully fine arms and shoulders gleamed dazzling almost as the diamonds that were as frosty stars in the glorious night of her hair.
furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy
From this reading The fine Chippendale furniture had been brought forward; the gaudy settees and sofas had been covered with fine, Eastern silks and tapestries.
gaudyadjectiveUS /ˈɡɔːdi/
tastelessly showy
From this reading The fine Chippendale furniture had been brought forward; the gaudy settees and sofas had been covered with fine, Eastern silks and tapestries.
Geoffrey
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As Geoffrey was ushered in Mrs. May came forward.
glamornounUS /ˈɡlæmər/
alluring beauty or charm (often with sex-appeal)
From this reading A pair of old Dresden candlesticks stood on the table, and under pink shades the candles cast a glamor of subdued light upon damask and silver and china.
gleamedverbUS /ɡliːmd/
past form of “gleam” — be shiny, as if wet
From this reading She was dressed entirely in black, her wonderfully fine arms and shoulders gleamed dazzling almost as the diamonds that were as frosty stars in the glorious night of her hair.
having or deserving or conferring glory
From this reading She was dressed entirely in black, her wonderfully fine arms and shoulders gleamed dazzling almost as the diamonds that were as frosty stars in the glorious night of her hair.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A FASCINATING WOMAN Mrs. Jessop's simple parlor had been transformed beyond recognition.
a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss
From this reading She was dressed entirely in black, her wonderfully fine arms and shoulders gleamed dazzling almost as the diamonds that were as frosty stars in the glorious night of her hair.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading She was dressed entirely in black, her wonderfully fine arms and shoulders gleamed dazzling almost as the diamonds that were as frosty stars in the glorious night of her hair.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading As Geoffrey was ushered in Mrs. May came forward.
Jessop's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A FASCINATING WOMAN Mrs. Jessop's simple parlor had been transformed beyond recognition.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading A pair of old Dresden candlesticks stood on the table, and under pink shades the candles cast a glamor of subdued light upon damask and silver and china.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading As Geoffrey was ushered in Mrs. May came forward.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading A FASCINATING WOMAN Mrs. Jessop's simple parlor had been transformed beyond recognition.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading She was dressed entirely in black, her wonderfully fine arms and shoulders gleamed dazzling almost as the diamonds that were as frosty stars in the glorious night of her hair.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A pair of old Dresden candlesticks stood on the table, and under pink shades the candles cast a glamor of subdued light upon damask and silver and china.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading A pair of old Dresden candlesticks stood on the table, and under pink shades the candles cast a glamor of subdued light upon damask and silver and china.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A pair of old Dresden candlesticks stood on the table, and under pink shades the candles cast a glamor of subdued light upon damask and silver and china.
a set of two similar things considered as a unit
From this reading A pair of old Dresden candlesticks stood on the table, and under pink shades the candles cast a glamor of subdued light upon damask and silver and china.
parlornounUS /ˈpɑːrlər/
reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received
From this reading A FASCINATING WOMAN Mrs. Jessop's simple parlor had been transformed beyond recognition.
a light shade of red
From this reading A pair of old Dresden candlesticks stood on the table, and under pink shades the candles cast a glamor of subdued light upon damask and silver and china.
recognitionnounUS /ˌrekəɡˈnɪʃən/
the state or quality of being recognized or acknowledged
From this reading A FASCINATING WOMAN Mrs. Jessop's simple parlor had been transformed beyond recognition.
settees
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The fine Chippendale furniture had been brought forward; the gaudy settees and sofas had been covered with fine, Eastern silks and tapestries.
shadesnounUS /ʃeɪdz/
(plural) something that reminds you of someone or something
From this reading A pair of old Dresden candlesticks stood on the table, and under pink shades the candles cast a glamor of subdued light upon damask and silver and china.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She was dressed entirely in black, her wonderfully fine arms and shoulders gleamed dazzling almost as the diamonds that were as frosty stars in the glorious night of her hair.
plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm
From this reading She was dressed entirely in black, her wonderfully fine arms and shoulders gleamed dazzling almost as the diamonds that were as frosty stars in the glorious night of her hair.
silksnounUS /sɪlks/
the brightly colored garments of a jockey; emblematic of the stable
From this reading The fine Chippendale furniture had been brought forward; the gaudy settees and sofas had been covered with fine, Eastern silks and tapestries.
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 A pair of old Dresden candlesticks stood on the table, and under pink shades the candles cast a glamor of subdued light upon damask and silver and china.
having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved
From this reading A FASCINATING WOMAN Mrs. Jessop's simple parlor had been transformed beyond recognition.
sofasnounUS /ˈsoʊfəz/
plural of “sofa” — an upholstered seat for more than one person
From this reading The fine Chippendale furniture had been brought forward; the gaudy settees and sofas had been covered with fine, Eastern silks and tapestries.
plural of “star” — (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
From this reading She was dressed entirely in black, her wonderfully fine arms and shoulders gleamed dazzling almost as the diamonds that were as frosty stars in the glorious night of her hair.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading A pair of old Dresden candlesticks stood on the table, and under pink shades the candles cast a glamor of subdued light upon damask and silver and china.
subduedadjectiveUS /səbˈduːd/
in a softened tone
From this reading A pair of old Dresden candlesticks stood on the table, and under pink shades the candles cast a glamor of subdued light upon damask and silver and china.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading A pair of old Dresden candlesticks stood on the table, and under pink shades the candles cast a glamor of subdued light upon damask and silver and china.
tapestriesnounUS /ˈtæpəstriz/
plural of “tapestry” — something that resembles a tapestry in its intricacy
From this reading The fine Chippendale furniture had been brought forward; the gaudy settees and sofas had been covered with fine, Eastern silks and tapestries.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading She was dressed entirely in black, her wonderfully fine arms and shoulders gleamed dazzling almost as the diamonds that were as frosty stars in the glorious night of her hair.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The fine Chippendale furniture had been brought forward; the gaudy settees and sofas had been covered with fine, Eastern silks and tapestries.
transformedadjectiveUS /trænˈsfɔːrmd/
given a completely different form or appearance
From this reading A FASCINATING WOMAN Mrs. Jessop's simple parlor had been transformed beyond recognition.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading A pair of old Dresden candlesticks stood on the table, and under pink shades the candles cast a glamor of subdued light upon damask and silver and china.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading A pair of old Dresden candlesticks stood on the table, and under pink shades the candles cast a glamor of subdued light upon damask and silver and china.
usheredverbUS /ˈʌʃərd/
past form of “usher” — take (someone) to their seats, as in theaters or auditoriums
From this reading As Geoffrey was ushered in Mrs. May came forward.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading As Geoffrey was ushered in Mrs. May came forward.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading She was dressed entirely in black, her wonderfully fine arms and shoulders gleamed dazzling almost as the diamonds that were as frosty stars in the glorious night of her hair.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The fine Chippendale furniture had been brought forward; the gaudy settees and sofas had been covered with fine, Eastern silks and tapestries.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading A FASCINATING WOMAN Mrs. Jessop's simple parlor had been transformed beyond recognition.
wonderfullyadverbUS /ˈwʌndərfəli/
(used as an intensifier) extremely well
From this reading She was dressed entirely in black, her wonderfully fine arms and shoulders gleamed dazzling almost as the diamonds that were as frosty stars in the glorious night of her hair.
