used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A LITERARY CELEBRITY It was Tuesday afternoon, and the Countess of Meltoun was at home to the world--that is to say, her world.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The usual throng of men of fashion, guardsmen, literary men, and budding politicians were bending over the chairs of their feminine acquaintances, or standing about in little groups talking amongst themselves.
acquaintancesnounUS /əˈkweɪntənsɪz/
plural of “acquaintance” — personal knowledge or information about someone or something
From this reading The usual throng of men of fashion, guardsmen, literary men, and budding politicians were bending over the chairs of their feminine acquaintances, or standing about in little groups talking amongst themselves.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading A LITERARY CELEBRITY It was Tuesday afternoon, and the Countess of Meltoun was at home to the world--that is to say, her world.
surrounded by; in the company of
From this reading The usual throng of men of fashion, guardsmen, literary men, and budding politicians were bending over the chairs of their feminine acquaintances, or standing about in little groups talking amongst themselves.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A LITERARY CELEBRITY It was Tuesday afternoon, and the Countess of Meltoun was at home to the world--that is to say, her world.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A LITERARY CELEBRITY It was Tuesday afternoon, and the Countess of Meltoun was at home to the world--that is to say, her world.
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading It was hard to believe that outside the streets and pavements were hot with the afternoon sun.
bendingnounUS /ˈbendɪŋ/
movement that causes the formation of a curve
From this reading The usual throng of men of fashion, guardsmen, literary men, and budding politicians were bending over the chairs of their feminine acquaintances, or standing about in little groups talking amongst themselves.
buddingnounUS /ˈbʌdɪŋ/
reproduction of some unicellular organisms (such as yeasts) by growth and specialization followed by the separation by constriction of a part of the parent
From this reading The usual throng of men of fashion, guardsmen, literary men, and budding politicians were bending over the chairs of their feminine acquaintances, or standing about in little groups talking amongst themselves.
CELEBRITYnounUS /səˈlebrɪti/
a widely known person
From this reading A LITERARY CELEBRITY It was Tuesday afternoon, and the Countess of Meltoun was at home to the world--that is to say, her world.
plural of “chair” — a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading The usual throng of men of fashion, guardsmen, literary men, and budding politicians were bending over the chairs of their feminine acquaintances, or standing about in little groups talking amongst themselves.
clatternounUS /ˈklætər/
a rattling noise (often produced by rapid movement)
From this reading The clatter of teacups was mingled with the soft hum of voices; the pleasantly shaded room was heavy with the perfume of many flowers.
neither warm nor very cold; giving relief from heat
From this reading People said that Lady Meltoun was the only woman in London who knew how to keep her rooms cool.
female equivalent of a count or earl
From this reading A LITERARY CELEBRITY It was Tuesday afternoon, and the Countess of Meltoun was at home to the world--that is to say, her world.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading The usual throng of men of fashion, guardsmen, literary men, and budding politicians were bending over the chairs of their feminine acquaintances, or standing about in little groups talking amongst themselves.
feminineadjectiveUS /ˈfemənən/
associated with women and not with men
From this reading The usual throng of men of fashion, guardsmen, literary men, and budding politicians were bending over the chairs of their feminine acquaintances, or standing about in little groups talking amongst themselves.
plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms
From this reading The clatter of teacups was mingled with the soft hum of voices; the pleasantly shaded room was heavy with the perfume of many flowers.
groupsnounUS /ɡruːps/
plural of “group” — any number of entities (members) considered as a unit
From this reading The usual throng of men of fashion, guardsmen, literary men, and budding politicians were bending over the chairs of their feminine acquaintances, or standing about in little groups talking amongst themselves.
guardsmennounUS /ˈɡɑːrdzmɪn/
plural of “guardsman” — a soldier who is a member of a unit called “the guard” or “guards”
From this reading The usual throng of men of fashion, guardsmen, literary men, and budding politicians were bending over the chairs of their feminine acquaintances, or standing about in little groups talking amongst themselves.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading It was hard to believe that outside the streets and pavements were hot with the afternoon sun.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading The clatter of teacups was mingled with the soft hum of voices; the pleasantly shaded room was heavy with the perfume of many flowers.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading A LITERARY CELEBRITY It was Tuesday afternoon, and the Countess of Meltoun was at home to the world--that is to say, her world.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading A LITERARY CELEBRITY It was Tuesday afternoon, and the Countess of Meltoun was at home to the world--that is to say, her world.
used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
From this reading It was hard to believe that outside the streets and pavements were hot with the afternoon sun.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People said that Lady Meltoun was the only woman in London who knew how to keep her rooms cool.
humverbUS /hʌm/
sing with closed lips
From this reading The clatter of teacups was mingled with the soft hum of voices; the pleasantly shaded room was heavy with the perfume of many flowers.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The usual throng of men of fashion, guardsmen, literary men, and budding politicians were bending over the chairs of their feminine acquaintances, or standing about in little groups talking amongst themselves.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A LITERARY CELEBRITY It was Tuesday afternoon, and the Countess of Meltoun was at home to the world--that is to say, her world.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A LITERARY CELEBRITY It was Tuesday afternoon, and the Countess of Meltoun was at home to the world--that is to say, her world.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading People said that Lady Meltoun was the only woman in London who knew how to keep her rooms cool.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading People said that Lady Meltoun was the only woman in London who knew how to keep her rooms cool.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading People said that Lady Meltoun was the only woman in London who knew how to keep her rooms cool.
of or relating to or characteristic of literature
From this reading A LITERARY CELEBRITY It was Tuesday afternoon, and the Countess of Meltoun was at home to the world--that is to say, her world.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The usual throng of men of fashion, guardsmen, literary men, and budding politicians were bending over the chairs of their feminine acquaintances, or standing about in little groups talking amongst themselves.
the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center
From this reading People said that Lady Meltoun was the only woman in London who knew how to keep her rooms cool.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading The clatter of teacups was mingled with the soft hum of voices; the pleasantly shaded room was heavy with the perfume of many flowers.
Meltoun
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A LITERARY CELEBRITY It was Tuesday afternoon, and the Countess of Meltoun was at home to the world--that is to say, her world.
the force of workers available
From this reading The usual throng of men of fashion, guardsmen, literary men, and budding politicians were bending over the chairs of their feminine acquaintances, or standing about in little groups talking amongst themselves.
past form of “mingle” — to bring or combine together or with something else
From this reading The clatter of teacups was mingled with the soft hum of voices; the pleasantly shaded room was heavy with the perfume of many flowers.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A LITERARY CELEBRITY It was Tuesday afternoon, and the Countess of Meltoun was at home to the world--that is to say, her world.
and nothing more
From this reading People said that Lady Meltoun was the only woman in London who knew how to keep her rooms cool.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The usual throng of men of fashion, guardsmen, literary men, and budding politicians were bending over the chairs of their feminine acquaintances, or standing about in little groups talking amongst themselves.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading It was hard to believe that outside the streets and pavements were hot with the afternoon sun.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The usual throng of men of fashion, guardsmen, literary men, and budding politicians were bending over the chairs of their feminine acquaintances, or standing about in little groups talking amongst themselves.
pavementsnounUS /ˈpeɪvmənts/
plural of “pavement” — the paved surface of a thoroughfare
From this reading It was hard to believe that outside the streets and pavements were hot with the afternoon sun.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading People said that Lady Meltoun was the only woman in London who knew how to keep her rooms cool.
perfumenounUS /pərˈfjuːm/
a distinctive odor that is pleasant
From this reading The clatter of teacups was mingled with the soft hum of voices; the pleasantly shaded room was heavy with the perfume of many flowers.
pleasantlyadverbUS /ˈplezəntli/
in a cheerful manner
From this reading The clatter of teacups was mingled with the soft hum of voices; the pleasantly shaded room was heavy with the perfume of many flowers.
politiciansnounUS /ˌpɑːləˈtɪʃənz/
plural of “politician” — a leader engaged in civil administration
From this reading The usual throng of men of fashion, guardsmen, literary men, and budding politicians were bending over the chairs of their feminine acquaintances, or standing about in little groups talking amongst themselves.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading The clatter of teacups was mingled with the soft hum of voices; the pleasantly shaded room was heavy with the perfume of many flowers.
apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)
From this reading People said that Lady Meltoun was the only woman in London who knew how to keep her rooms cool.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading People said that Lady Meltoun was the only woman in London who knew how to keep her rooms cool.
express in words
From this reading A LITERARY CELEBRITY It was Tuesday afternoon, and the Countess of Meltoun was at home to the world--that is to say, her world.
shadedadjectiveUS /ˈʃeɪdɪd/
protected from heat and light with shade or shadow
From this reading The clatter of teacups was mingled with the soft hum of voices; the pleasantly shaded room was heavy with the perfume of many flowers.
yielding readily to pressure or weight
From this reading The clatter of teacups was mingled with the soft hum of voices; the pleasantly shaded room was heavy with the perfume of many flowers.
having a supporting base
From this reading The usual throng of men of fashion, guardsmen, literary men, and budding politicians were bending over the chairs of their feminine acquaintances, or standing about in little groups talking amongst themselves.
plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading It was hard to believe that outside the streets and pavements were hot with the afternoon sun.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading It was hard to believe that outside the streets and pavements were hot with the afternoon sun.
an exchange of ideas via conversation
From this reading The usual throng of men of fashion, guardsmen, literary men, and budding politicians were bending over the chairs of their feminine acquaintances, or standing about in little groups talking amongst themselves.
teacups
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The clatter of teacups was mingled with the soft hum of voices; the pleasantly shaded room was heavy with the perfume of many flowers.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A LITERARY CELEBRITY It was Tuesday afternoon, and the Countess of Meltoun was at home to the world--that is to say, her world.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A LITERARY CELEBRITY It was Tuesday afternoon, and the Countess of Meltoun was at home to the world--that is to say, her world.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The usual throng of men of fashion, guardsmen, literary men, and budding politicians were bending over the chairs of their feminine acquaintances, or standing about in little groups talking amongst themselves.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading The usual throng of men of fashion, guardsmen, literary men, and budding politicians were bending over the chairs of their feminine acquaintances, or standing about in little groups talking amongst themselves.
throngnounUS /θrɔːŋ/
a large gathering of people
From this reading The usual throng of men of fashion, guardsmen, literary men, and budding politicians were bending over the chairs of their feminine acquaintances, or standing about in little groups talking amongst themselves.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A LITERARY CELEBRITY It was Tuesday afternoon, and the Countess of Meltoun was at home to the world--that is to say, her world.
TuesdaynounUS /ˈtuːzdi/
the third day of the week; the second working day
From this reading A LITERARY CELEBRITY It was Tuesday afternoon, and the Countess of Meltoun was at home to the world--that is to say, her world.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading The usual throng of men of fashion, guardsmen, literary men, and budding politicians were bending over the chairs of their feminine acquaintances, or standing about in little groups talking amongst themselves.
plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading The clatter of teacups was mingled with the soft hum of voices; the pleasantly shaded room was heavy with the perfume of many flowers.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A LITERARY CELEBRITY It was Tuesday afternoon, and the Countess of Meltoun was at home to the world--that is to say, her world.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The usual throng of men of fashion, guardsmen, literary men, and budding politicians were bending over the chairs of their feminine acquaintances, or standing about in little groups talking amongst themselves.
which person or people
From this reading People said that Lady Meltoun was the only woman in London who knew how to keep her rooms cool.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The clatter of teacups was mingled with the soft hum of voices; the pleasantly shaded room was heavy with the perfume of many flowers.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading People said that Lady Meltoun was the only woman in London who knew how to keep her rooms cool.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading A LITERARY CELEBRITY It was Tuesday afternoon, and the Countess of Meltoun was at home to the world--that is to say, her world.
