Chapter III

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

From this reading The candle rays glistened sombrely on deep ruby red wines in crystal decanters; the table was as a bath of silver flame in a background of sombre brown shadows.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading A noiseless servant or two, gliding about, ministered to the wants of the guests.

(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 How peaceful, how restful and refined it all was, Ralph thought, the only jarring note being the person opposite him, a clean-shaven, hard-featured man with a glass screwed in his left eye.

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading HORACE MAYFIELD The cloth had been drawn in the old-fashioned way, so that the candles in the ancient silver branches made pools of brown light on the polished mahogany of the dining table.

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

From this reading Here were palms and flowers, feathery fronds, rays of light streaking the sides of blushing grapes and peaches with the downy bloom on them.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading The candle rays glistened sombrely on deep ruby red wines in crystal decanters; the table was as a bath of silver flame in a background of sombre brown shadows.

a person's social heritage: previous experience or training

From this reading The candle rays glistened sombrely on deep ruby red wines in crystal decanters; the table was as a bath of silver flame in a background of sombre brown shadows.

a vessel containing liquid in which something is immersed (as to process it or to maintain it at a constant temperature or to lubricate it)

From this reading The candle rays glistened sombrely on deep ruby red wines in crystal decanters; the table was as a bath of silver flame in a background of sombre brown shadows.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading HORACE MAYFIELD The cloth had been drawn in the old-fashioned way, so that the candles in the ancient silver branches made pools of brown light on the polished mahogany of the dining table.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading How peaceful, how restful and refined it all was, Ralph thought, the only jarring note being the person opposite him, a clean-shaven, hard-featured man with a glass screwed in his left eye.

the organic process of bearing flowers

From this reading Here were palms and flowers, feathery fronds, rays of light streaking the sides of blushing grapes and peaches with the downy bloom on them.

having a red face from embarrassment or shame or agitation or emotional upset

From this reading Here were palms and flowers, feathery fronds, rays of light streaking the sides of blushing grapes and peaches with the downy bloom on them.

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

From this reading HORACE MAYFIELD The cloth had been drawn in the old-fashioned way, so that the candles in the ancient silver branches made pools of brown light on the polished mahogany of the dining table.

an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading HORACE MAYFIELD The cloth had been drawn in the old-fashioned way, so that the candles in the ancient silver branches made pools of brown light on the polished mahogany of the dining table.

stick of wax with a wick in the middle

From this reading The candle rays glistened sombrely on deep ruby red wines in crystal decanters; the table was as a bath of silver flame in a background of sombre brown shadows.

plural of “candle” — stick of wax with a wick in the middle

From this reading HORACE MAYFIELD The cloth had been drawn in the old-fashioned way, so that the candles in the ancient silver branches made pools of brown light on the polished mahogany of the dining table.

closely shaved recently

From this reading How peaceful, how restful and refined it all was, Ralph thought, the only jarring note being the person opposite him, a clean-shaven, hard-featured man with a glass screwed in his left eye.

artifact made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic fibers

From this reading HORACE MAYFIELD The cloth had been drawn in the old-fashioned way, so that the candles in the ancient silver branches made pools of brown light on the polished mahogany of the dining table.

a solid formed by the solidification of a chemical and having a highly regular atomic structure

From this reading The candle rays glistened sombrely on deep ruby red wines in crystal decanters; the table was as a bath of silver flame in a background of sombre brown shadows.

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

From this reading The candle rays glistened sombrely on deep ruby red wines in crystal decanters; the table was as a bath of silver flame in a background of sombre brown shadows.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading The candle rays glistened sombrely on deep ruby red wines in crystal decanters; the table was as a bath of silver flame in a background of sombre brown shadows.

the act of eating dinner

From this reading HORACE MAYFIELD The cloth had been drawn in the old-fashioned way, so that the candles in the ancient silver branches made pools of brown light on the polished mahogany of the dining table.

like down or as soft as down

From this reading Here were palms and flowers, feathery fronds, rays of light streaking the sides of blushing grapes and peaches with the downy bloom on them.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading HORACE MAYFIELD The cloth had been drawn in the old-fashioned way, so that the candles in the ancient silver branches made pools of brown light on the polished mahogany of the dining table.

the organ of sight

From this reading How peaceful, how restful and refined it all was, Ralph thought, the only jarring note being the person opposite him, a clean-shaven, hard-featured man with a glass screwed in his left eye.

resembling or suggesting a feather or feathers

From this reading Here were palms and flowers, feathery fronds, rays of light streaking the sides of blushing grapes and peaches with the downy bloom on them.

A hot glowing body of ignited gas produced by fire.

From this reading The candle rays glistened sombrely on deep ruby red wines in crystal decanters; the table was as a bath of silver flame in a background of sombre brown shadows.

plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading Here were palms and flowers, feathery fronds, rays of light streaking the sides of blushing grapes and peaches with the downy bloom on them.

plural of “frond” — compound leaf of a fern or palm or cycad

From this reading Here were palms and flowers, feathery fronds, rays of light streaking the sides of blushing grapes and peaches with the downy bloom on them.

a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure

From this reading How peaceful, how restful and refined it all was, Ralph thought, the only jarring note being the person opposite him, a clean-shaven, hard-featured man with a glass screwed in his left eye.

the activity of flying a glider

From this reading A noiseless servant or two, gliding about, ministered to the wants of the guests.

past form of “glisten” — be shiny, as if wet

From this reading The candle rays glistened sombrely on deep ruby red wines in crystal decanters; the table was as a bath of silver flame in a background of sombre brown shadows.

plural of “grape” — any of various juicy fruit of the genus Vitis with green or purple skins; grow in clusters

From this reading Here were palms and flowers, feathery fronds, rays of light streaking the sides of blushing grapes and peaches with the downy bloom on them.

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading A noiseless servant or two, gliding about, ministered to the wants of the guests.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading HORACE MAYFIELD The cloth had been drawn in the old-fashioned way, so that the candles in the ancient silver branches made pools of brown light on the polished mahogany of the dining table.

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

From this reading How peaceful, how restful and refined it all was, Ralph thought, the only jarring note being the person opposite him, a clean-shaven, hard-featured man with a glass screwed in his left eye.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Here were palms and flowers, feathery fronds, rays of light streaking the sides of blushing grapes and peaches with the downy bloom on them.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading How peaceful, how restful and refined it all was, Ralph thought, the only jarring note being the person opposite him, a clean-shaven, hard-featured man with a glass screwed in his left eye.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading How peaceful, how restful and refined it all was, Ralph thought, the only jarring note being the person opposite him, a clean-shaven, hard-featured man with a glass screwed in his left eye.

Roman lyric poet said to have influenced English poetry (65-8 BC)

From this reading HORACE MAYFIELD The cloth had been drawn in the old-fashioned way, so that the candles in the ancient silver branches made pools of brown light on the polished mahogany of the dining table.

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

From this reading How peaceful, how restful and refined it all was, Ralph thought, the only jarring note being the person opposite him, a clean-shaven, hard-featured man with a glass screwed in his left eye.

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

From this reading HORACE MAYFIELD The cloth had been drawn in the old-fashioned way, so that the candles in the ancient silver branches made pools of brown light on the polished mahogany of the dining table.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading How peaceful, how restful and refined it all was, Ralph thought, the only jarring note being the person opposite him, a clean-shaven, hard-featured man with a glass screwed in his left eye.

making or causing a harsh and irritating sound

From this reading How peaceful, how restful and refined it all was, Ralph thought, the only jarring note being the person opposite him, a clean-shaven, hard-featured man with a glass screwed in his left eye.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading How peaceful, how restful and refined it all was, Ralph thought, the only jarring note being the person opposite him, a clean-shaven, hard-featured man with a glass screwed in his left eye.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading HORACE MAYFIELD The cloth had been drawn in the old-fashioned way, so that the candles in the ancient silver branches made pools of brown light on the polished mahogany of the dining table.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading HORACE MAYFIELD The cloth had been drawn in the old-fashioned way, so that the candles in the ancient silver branches made pools of brown light on the polished mahogany of the dining table.

wood of any of various mahogany trees; much used for cabinetwork and furniture

From this reading HORACE MAYFIELD The cloth had been drawn in the old-fashioned way, so that the candles in the ancient silver branches made pools of brown light on the polished mahogany of the dining table.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading How peaceful, how restful and refined it all was, Ralph thought, the only jarring note being the person opposite him, a clean-shaven, hard-featured man with a glass screwed in his left eye.

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

From this reading HORACE MAYFIELD The cloth had been drawn in the old-fashioned way, so that the candles in the ancient silver branches made pools of brown light on the polished mahogany of the dining table.

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

From this reading A noiseless servant or two, gliding about, ministered to the wants of the guests.

making no sound

From this reading A noiseless servant or two, gliding about, ministered to the wants of the guests.

a brief written record

From this reading How peaceful, how restful and refined it all was, Ralph thought, the only jarring note being the person opposite him, a clean-shaven, hard-featured man with a glass screwed in his left eye.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading HORACE MAYFIELD The cloth had been drawn in the old-fashioned way, so that the candles in the ancient silver branches made pools of brown light on the polished mahogany of the dining table.

out of fashion

From this reading HORACE MAYFIELD The cloth had been drawn in the old-fashioned way, so that the candles in the ancient silver branches made pools of brown light on the polished mahogany of the dining table.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading HORACE MAYFIELD The cloth had been drawn in the old-fashioned way, so that the candles in the ancient silver branches made pools of brown light on the polished mahogany of the dining table.

and nothing more

From this reading How peaceful, how restful and refined it all was, Ralph thought, the only jarring note being the person opposite him, a clean-shaven, hard-featured man with a glass screwed in his left eye.

being directly across from each other; facing

From this reading How peaceful, how restful and refined it all was, Ralph thought, the only jarring note being the person opposite him, a clean-shaven, hard-featured man with a glass screwed in his left eye.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading A noiseless servant or two, gliding about, ministered to the wants of the guests.

plural of “palm” — the inner surface of the hand from the wrist to the base of the fingers

From this reading Here were palms and flowers, feathery fronds, rays of light streaking the sides of blushing grapes and peaches with the downy bloom on them.

not disturbed by strife or turmoil or war

From this reading How peaceful, how restful and refined it all was, Ralph thought, the only jarring note being the person opposite him, a clean-shaven, hard-featured man with a glass screwed in his left eye.

plural of “peach” — cultivated in temperate regions

From this reading Here were palms and flowers, feathery fronds, rays of light streaking the sides of blushing grapes and peaches with the downy bloom on them.

a human being

From this reading How peaceful, how restful and refined it all was, Ralph thought, the only jarring note being the person opposite him, a clean-shaven, hard-featured man with a glass screwed in his left eye.

perfected or made shiny and smooth

From this reading HORACE MAYFIELD The cloth had been drawn in the old-fashioned way, so that the candles in the ancient silver branches made pools of brown light on the polished mahogany of the dining table.

plural of “pool” — an excavation that is (usually) filled with water

From this reading HORACE MAYFIELD The cloth had been drawn in the old-fashioned way, so that the candles in the ancient silver branches made pools of brown light on the polished mahogany of the dining table.

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

From this reading How peaceful, how restful and refined it all was, Ralph thought, the only jarring note being the person opposite him, a clean-shaven, hard-featured man with a glass screwed in his left eye.

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

From this reading Here were palms and flowers, feathery fronds, rays of light streaking the sides of blushing grapes and peaches with the downy bloom on them.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading The candle rays glistened sombrely on deep ruby red wines in crystal decanters; the table was as a bath of silver flame in a background of sombre brown shadows.

(used of persons and their behavior) cultivated and genteel

From this reading How peaceful, how restful and refined it all was, Ralph thought, the only jarring note being the person opposite him, a clean-shaven, hard-featured man with a glass screwed in his left eye.

affording physical or mental rest

From this reading How peaceful, how restful and refined it all was, Ralph thought, the only jarring note being the person opposite him, a clean-shaven, hard-featured man with a glass screwed in his left eye.

a transparent piece of ruby that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem

From this reading The candle rays glistened sombrely on deep ruby red wines in crystal decanters; the table was as a bath of silver flame in a background of sombre brown shadows.

past form of “screw” — have sexual intercourse with

From this reading How peaceful, how restful and refined it all was, Ralph thought, the only jarring note being the person opposite him, a clean-shaven, hard-featured man with a glass screwed in his left eye.

a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading A noiseless servant or two, gliding about, ministered to the wants of the guests.

plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries

From this reading The candle rays glistened sombrely on deep ruby red wines in crystal decanters; the table was as a bath of silver flame in a background of sombre brown shadows.

plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading Here were palms and flowers, feathery fronds, rays of light streaking the sides of blushing grapes and peaches with the downy bloom on them.

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 HORACE MAYFIELD The cloth had been drawn in the old-fashioned way, so that the candles in the ancient silver branches made pools of brown light on the polished mahogany of the dining table.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading HORACE MAYFIELD The cloth had been drawn in the old-fashioned way, so that the candles in the ancient silver branches made pools of brown light on the polished mahogany of the dining table.

lacking brightness or color; dull

From this reading The candle rays glistened sombrely on deep ruby red wines in crystal decanters; the table was as a bath of silver flame in a background of sombre brown shadows.

in a somber manner

From this reading The candle rays glistened sombrely on deep ruby red wines in crystal decanters; the table was as a bath of silver flame in a background of sombre brown shadows.

-ing form of “streak” — move quickly in a straight line

From this reading Here were palms and flowers, feathery fronds, rays of light streaking the sides of blushing grapes and peaches with the downy bloom on them.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading HORACE MAYFIELD The cloth had been drawn in the old-fashioned way, so that the candles in the ancient silver branches made pools of brown light on the polished mahogany of the dining table.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading HORACE MAYFIELD The cloth had been drawn in the old-fashioned way, so that the candles in the ancient silver branches made pools of brown light on the polished mahogany of the dining table.

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

From this reading HORACE MAYFIELD The cloth had been drawn in the old-fashioned way, so that the candles in the ancient silver branches made pools of brown light on the polished mahogany of the dining table.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Here were palms and flowers, feathery fronds, rays of light streaking the sides of blushing grapes and peaches with the downy bloom on them.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading How peaceful, how restful and refined it all was, Ralph thought, the only jarring note being the person opposite him, a clean-shaven, hard-featured man with a glass screwed in his left eye.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading A noiseless servant or two, gliding about, ministered to the wants of the guests.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading A noiseless servant or two, gliding about, ministered to the wants of the guests.

plural of “want” — a state of extreme poverty

From this reading A noiseless servant or two, gliding about, ministered to the wants of the guests.

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

From this reading The candle rays glistened sombrely on deep ruby red wines in crystal decanters; the table was as a bath of silver flame in a background of sombre brown shadows.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading HORACE MAYFIELD The cloth had been drawn in the old-fashioned way, so that the candles in the ancient silver branches made pools of brown light on the polished mahogany of the dining table.

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

From this reading Here were palms and flowers, feathery fronds, rays of light streaking the sides of blushing grapes and peaches with the downy bloom on them.

plural of “wine” — fermented juice (of grapes especially)

From this reading The candle rays glistened sombrely on deep ruby red wines in crystal decanters; the table was as a bath of silver flame in a background of sombre brown shadows.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Here were palms and flowers, feathery fronds, rays of light streaking the sides of blushing grapes and peaches with the downy bloom on them.