AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
agitationnounUS /ˌædʒəˈteɪʃən/
a mental state of extreme emotional disturbance
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/
(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 So anxiously did the assembled beauties think, that all remained mute as fish in a pool, and the August Aunt continued:-- “Let Tsu-ssu be summoned.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Scarce an hour had dripped away on the water-clock when an Imperial Missive bound with yellow silk arrived, and the August Aunt, rising, kotowed nine times before she received it in her jewelled hand with its delicate and lengthy nails ensheathed in pure gold and set with gems of the first water.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
anxiouslyadverbUS /ˈæŋkʃəsli/
with anxiety or apprehension
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
arrivedverbUS /ərˈaɪvd/
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading Scarce an hour had dripped away on the water-clock when an Imperial Missive bound with yellow silk arrived, and the August Aunt, rising, kotowed nine times before she received it in her jewelled hand with its delicate and lengthy nails ensheathed in pure gold and set with gems of the first water.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading So anxiously did the assembled beauties think, that all remained mute as fish in a pool, and the August Aunt continued:-- “Let Tsu-ssu be summoned.
assembledverbUS /əˈsembəld/
past form of “assemble” — create by putting components or members together
From this reading So anxiously did the assembled beauties think, that all remained mute as fish in a pool, and the August Aunt continued:-- “Let Tsu-ssu be summoned.
AugustnounUS /ˈɑːɡəst/
the month following July and preceding September
From this reading So anxiously did the assembled beauties think, that all remained mute as fish in a pool, and the August Aunt continued:-- “Let Tsu-ssu be summoned.
AuntnounUS /ænt/
the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading So anxiously did the assembled beauties think, that all remained mute as fish in a pool, and the August Aunt continued:-- “Let Tsu-ssu be summoned.
awaitverbUS /əˈweɪt/
look forward to the probable occurrence of
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
awayadverbUS /əˈweɪ/
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
beautiesnounUS /ˈbjuːtiz/
plural of “beauty” — the qualities that give pleasure to the senses
From this reading So anxiously did the assembled beauties think, that all remained mute as fish in a pool, and the August Aunt continued:-- “Let Tsu-ssu be summoned.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
boundadjectiveUS /baʊnd/
confined by bonds
From this reading Scarce an hour had dripped away on the water-clock when an Imperial Missive bound with yellow silk arrived, and the August Aunt, rising, kotowed nine times before she received it in her jewelled hand with its delicate and lengthy nails ensheathed in pure gold and set with gems of the first water.
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
canmodal verbUS /kæn/
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
ceremonialnounUS /ˌserəˈmoʊniəl/
a formal event performed on a special occasion
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
concludeverbUS /kənˈkluːd/
decide by reasoning; draw or come to a conclusion
From this reading It is my intention to suggest to the Dragon Emperor that the virtues of women be the subject of our discourse, and I will myself open and conclude the discussion.”
condemnedverbUS /kənˈdemd/
past form of “condemn” — express strong disapproval of
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
considerationnounUS /kənˌsɪdərˈeɪʃən/
the process of giving careful thought to something
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
continuedadjectiveUS /kənˈtɪnjuːd/
without stop or interruption
From this reading So anxiously did the assembled beauties think, that all remained mute as fish in a pool, and the August Aunt continued:-- “Let Tsu-ssu be summoned.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
delicateadjectiveUS /ˈdeləkət/
exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury
From this reading Scarce an hour had dripped away on the water-clock when an Imperial Missive bound with yellow silk arrived, and the August Aunt, rising, kotowed nine times before she received it in her jewelled hand with its delicate and lengthy nails ensheathed in pure gold and set with gems of the first water.
despatched
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
destinationnounUS /ˌdestəˈneɪʃən/
the place designated as the end (as of a race or journey)
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading So anxiously did the assembled beauties think, that all remained mute as fish in a pool, and the August Aunt continued:-- “Let Tsu-ssu be summoned.
discoursenounUS /ˈdɪskɔːrs/
extended verbal expression in speech or writing
From this reading It is my intention to suggest to the Dragon Emperor that the virtues of women be the subject of our discourse, and I will myself open and conclude the discussion.”
discussionnounUS /dɪˈskʌʃən/
an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
From this reading It is my intention to suggest to the Dragon Emperor that the virtues of women be the subject of our discourse, and I will myself open and conclude the discussion.”
doneadjectiveUS /dʌn/
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
DragonnounUS /ˈdræɡən/
a creature of Teutonic mythology; usually represented as breathing fire and having a reptilian body and sometimes wings
From this reading It is my intention to suggest to the Dragon Emperor that the virtues of women be the subject of our discourse, and I will myself open and conclude the discussion.”
drippedverbUS /drɪpt/
inflected form of “drip” — fall in drops
From this reading Scarce an hour had dripped away on the water-clock when an Imperial Missive bound with yellow silk arrived, and the August Aunt, rising, kotowed nine times before she received it in her jewelled hand with its delicate and lengthy nails ensheathed in pure gold and set with gems of the first water.
dueadjectiveUS /duː/
owed and payable immediately or on demand
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
earsnounUS /ɪrz/
plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
EmperornounUS /ˈempərər/
the male ruler of an empire
From this reading It is my intention to suggest to the Dragon Emperor that the virtues of women be the subject of our discourse, and I will myself open and conclude the discussion.”
ensheathed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Scarce an hour had dripped away on the water-clock when an Imperial Missive bound with yellow silk arrived, and the August Aunt, rising, kotowed nine times before she received it in her jewelled hand with its delicate and lengthy nails ensheathed in pure gold and set with gems of the first water.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Scarce an hour had dripped away on the water-clock when an Imperial Missive bound with yellow silk arrived, and the August Aunt, rising, kotowed nine times before she received it in her jewelled hand with its delicate and lengthy nails ensheathed in pure gold and set with gems of the first water.
fishnounUS /fɪʃ/
any of various mostly cold-blooded aquatic vertebrates usually having scales and breathing through gills
From this reading So anxiously did the assembled beauties think, that all remained mute as fish in a pool, and the August Aunt continued:-- “Let Tsu-ssu be summoned.
flawnounUS /flɔː/
an imperfection in an object or machine
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
foolishlyadverbUS /ˈfuːlɪʃli/
without good sense or judgment
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
gemsnounUS /dʒemz/
plural of “gem” — art highly prized for its beauty or perfection
From this reading Scarce an hour had dripped away on the water-clock when an Imperial Missive bound with yellow silk arrived, and the August Aunt, rising, kotowed nine times before she received it in her jewelled hand with its delicate and lengthy nails ensheathed in pure gold and set with gems of the first water.
goldnounUS /ɡoʊld/
coins made of gold
From this reading Scarce an hour had dripped away on the water-clock when an Imperial Missive bound with yellow silk arrived, and the August Aunt, rising, kotowed nine times before she received it in her jewelled hand with its delicate and lengthy nails ensheathed in pure gold and set with gems of the first water.
groundnounUS /ɡraʊnd/
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Scarce an hour had dripped away on the water-clock when an Imperial Missive bound with yellow silk arrived, and the August Aunt, rising, kotowed nine times before she received it in her jewelled hand with its delicate and lengthy nails ensheathed in pure gold and set with gems of the first water.
handnounUS /hænd/
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Scarce an hour had dripped away on the water-clock when an Imperial Missive bound with yellow silk arrived, and the August Aunt, rising, kotowed nine times before she received it in her jewelled hand with its delicate and lengthy nails ensheathed in pure gold and set with gems of the first water.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
hereadverbUS /hiːr/
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
hopenounUS /hoʊp/
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
hournounUS /ˈaʊər/
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading Scarce an hour had dripped away on the water-clock when an Imperial Missive bound with yellow silk arrived, and the August Aunt, rising, kotowed nine times before she received it in her jewelled hand with its delicate and lengthy nails ensheathed in pure gold and set with gems of the first water.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading It is my intention to suggest to the Dragon Emperor that the virtues of women be the subject of our discourse, and I will myself open and conclude the discussion.”
ImperialadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpɪriəl/
relating to or associated with an empire
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
intentionnounUS /ˌɪnˈtentʃən/
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading It is my intention to suggest to the Dragon Emperor that the virtues of women be the subject of our discourse, and I will myself open and conclude the discussion.”
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is my intention to suggest to the Dragon Emperor that the virtues of women be the subject of our discourse, and I will myself open and conclude the discussion.”
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is my intention to suggest to the Dragon Emperor that the virtues of women be the subject of our discourse, and I will myself open and conclude the discussion.”
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
jadenounUS /dʒeɪd/
a semiprecious gemstone that takes a high polish; is usually green but sometimes whitish; consists of jadeite or nephrite
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
jewelledadjective
covered with beads or jewels or sequins
From this reading Scarce an hour had dripped away on the water-clock when an Imperial Missive bound with yellow silk arrived, and the August Aunt, rising, kotowed nine times before she received it in her jewelled hand with its delicate and lengthy nails ensheathed in pure gold and set with gems of the first water.
kotowed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Scarce an hour had dripped away on the water-clock when an Imperial Missive bound with yellow silk arrived, and the August Aunt, rising, kotowed nine times before she received it in her jewelled hand with its delicate and lengthy nails ensheathed in pure gold and set with gems of the first water.
kotowing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
ladynounUS /ˈleɪdi/
a polite name for any woman
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
lengthyadjectiveUS /ˈleŋθi/
relatively long in duration; tediously protracted
From this reading Scarce an hour had dripped away on the water-clock when an Imperial Missive bound with yellow silk arrived, and the August Aunt, rising, kotowed nine times before she received it in her jewelled hand with its delicate and lengthy nails ensheathed in pure gold and set with gems of the first water.
Letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading So anxiously did the assembled beauties think, that all remained mute as fish in a pool, and the August Aunt continued:-- “Let Tsu-ssu be summoned.
likeverbUS /laɪk/
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/
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 Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
makeverbUS /meɪk/
engage in
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
Maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
meanwhileadverbUS /ˈmiːnwaɪl/
at the same time but in another place
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
messagenounUS /ˈmesədʒ/
a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
MissivenounUS /ˈmɪsɪv/
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading Scarce an hour had dripped away on the water-clock when an Imperial Missive bound with yellow silk arrived, and the August Aunt, rising, kotowed nine times before she received it in her jewelled hand with its delicate and lengthy nails ensheathed in pure gold and set with gems of the first water.
muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
muteadjectiveUS /mjuːt/
expressed without speech
From this reading So anxiously did the assembled beauties think, that all remained mute as fish in a pool, and the August Aunt continued:-- “Let Tsu-ssu be summoned.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading It is my intention to suggest to the Dragon Emperor that the virtues of women be the subject of our discourse, and I will myself open and conclude the discussion.”
myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading It is my intention to suggest to the Dragon Emperor that the virtues of women be the subject of our discourse, and I will myself open and conclude the discussion.”
nailsnounUS /neɪlz/
plural of “nail” — horny plate covering and protecting part of the dorsal surface of the digits
From this reading Scarce an hour had dripped away on the water-clock when an Imperial Missive bound with yellow silk arrived, and the August Aunt, rising, kotowed nine times before she received it in her jewelled hand with its delicate and lengthy nails ensheathed in pure gold and set with gems of the first water.
ninenounUS /naɪn/
the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
From this reading Scarce an hour had dripped away on the water-clock when an Imperial Missive bound with yellow silk arrived, and the August Aunt, rising, kotowed nine times before she received it in her jewelled hand with its delicate and lengthy nails ensheathed in pure gold and set with gems of the first water.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
NothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Scarce an hour had dripped away on the water-clock when an Imperial Missive bound with yellow silk arrived, and the August Aunt, rising, kotowed nine times before she received it in her jewelled hand with its delicate and lengthy nails ensheathed in pure gold and set with gems of the first water.
openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/
To move from a closed position.
From this reading It is my intention to suggest to the Dragon Emperor that the virtues of women be the subject of our discourse, and I will myself open and conclude the discussion.”
other's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading It is my intention to suggest to the Dragon Emperor that the virtues of women be the subject of our discourse, and I will myself open and conclude the discussion.”
piecenounUS /piːs/
a separate part of a whole
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
poolnounUS /puːl/
an excavation that is (usually) filled with water
From this reading So anxiously did the assembled beauties think, that all remained mute as fish in a pool, and the August Aunt continued:-- “Let Tsu-ssu be summoned.
prisonersnounUS /ˈprɪzənərz/
plural of “prisoner” — a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
properadjectiveUS /ˈprɑːpər/
marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
pureadjectiveUS /pjʊr/
free of extraneous elements of any kind
From this reading Scarce an hour had dripped away on the water-clock when an Imperial Missive bound with yellow silk arrived, and the August Aunt, rising, kotowed nine times before she received it in her jewelled hand with its delicate and lengthy nails ensheathed in pure gold and set with gems of the first water.
receivedadjectiveUS /rəˈsiːvd/
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading Scarce an hour had dripped away on the water-clock when an Imperial Missive bound with yellow silk arrived, and the August Aunt, rising, kotowed nine times before she received it in her jewelled hand with its delicate and lengthy nails ensheathed in pure gold and set with gems of the first water.
remainedverbUS /rɪˈmeɪnd/
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading So anxiously did the assembled beauties think, that all remained mute as fish in a pool, and the August Aunt continued:-- “Let Tsu-ssu be summoned.
reprievenounUS /riˈpriːv/
a (temporary) relief from harm or discomfort
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
responsenounUS /rɪˈspɑːns/
a result
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
risingadjectiveUS /ˈraɪzɪŋ/
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading Scarce an hour had dripped away on the water-clock when an Imperial Missive bound with yellow silk arrived, and the August Aunt, rising, kotowed nine times before she received it in her jewelled hand with its delicate and lengthy nails ensheathed in pure gold and set with gems of the first water.
ScarceadverbUS /skers/
only a very short time before
From this reading Scarce an hour had dripped away on the water-clock when an Imperial Missive bound with yellow silk arrived, and the August Aunt, rising, kotowed nine times before she received it in her jewelled hand with its delicate and lengthy nails ensheathed in pure gold and set with gems of the first water.
setverbUS /set/
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Scarce an hour had dripped away on the water-clock when an Imperial Missive bound with yellow silk arrived, and the August Aunt, rising, kotowed nine times before she received it in her jewelled hand with its delicate and lengthy nails ensheathed in pure gold and set with gems of the first water.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Scarce an hour had dripped away on the water-clock when an Imperial Missive bound with yellow silk arrived, and the August Aunt, rising, kotowed nine times before she received it in her jewelled hand with its delicate and lengthy nails ensheathed in pure gold and set with gems of the first water.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
silknounUS /sɪlk/
a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae
From this reading Scarce an hour had dripped away on the water-clock when an Imperial Missive bound with yellow silk arrived, and the August Aunt, rising, kotowed nine times before she received it in her jewelled hand with its delicate and lengthy nails ensheathed in pure gold and set with gems of the first water.
SoconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading So anxiously did the assembled beauties think, that all remained mute as fish in a pool, and the August Aunt continued:-- “Let Tsu-ssu be summoned.
speechnounUS /spiːtʃ/
the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
spokenadjectiveUS /ˈspoʊkən/
uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
subjectnounUS /səbˈdʒekt/
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading It is my intention to suggest to the Dragon Emperor that the virtues of women be the subject of our discourse, and I will myself open and conclude the discussion.”
suggestverbUS /səˈdʒest/
make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading It is my intention to suggest to the Dragon Emperor that the virtues of women be the subject of our discourse, and I will myself open and conclude the discussion.”
summonedverbUS /ˈsʌmənd/
past form of “summon” — call in an official matter, such as to attend court
From this reading So anxiously did the assembled beauties think, that all remained mute as fish in a pool, and the August Aunt continued:-- “Let Tsu-ssu be summoned.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading So anxiously did the assembled beauties think, that all remained mute as fish in a pool, and the August Aunt continued:-- “Let Tsu-ssu be summoned.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
thinkverbUS /θɪŋk/
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
throughoutprepositionUS /θruːˈaʊt/
in every part of a place, or for the whole of a period
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
timesnounUS /taɪmz/
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading Scarce an hour had dripped away on the water-clock when an Imperial Missive bound with yellow silk arrived, and the August Aunt, rising, kotowed nine times before she received it in her jewelled hand with its delicate and lengthy nails ensheathed in pure gold and set with gems of the first water.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It is my intention to suggest to the Dragon Emperor that the virtues of women be the subject of our discourse, and I will myself open and conclude the discussion.”
Tsu-ssu
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So anxiously did the assembled beauties think, that all remained mute as fish in a pool, and the August Aunt continued:-- “Let Tsu-ssu be summoned.
twitternounUS /ˈtwɪtər/
a series of chirps
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
virtuesnounUS /ˈvɜːrtʃuːz/
plural of “virtue” — the quality of doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong
From this reading It is my intention to suggest to the Dragon Emperor that the virtues of women be the subject of our discourse, and I will myself open and conclude the discussion.”
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
waternounUS /ˈwɔːtər/
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading Scarce an hour had dripped away on the water-clock when an Imperial Missive bound with yellow silk arrived, and the August Aunt, rising, kotowed nine times before she received it in her jewelled hand with its delicate and lengthy nails ensheathed in pure gold and set with gems of the first water.
water-clock
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Scarce an hour had dripped away on the water-clock when an Imperial Missive bound with yellow silk arrived, and the August Aunt, rising, kotowed nine times before she received it in her jewelled hand with its delicate and lengthy nails ensheathed in pure gold and set with gems of the first water.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
whispernounUS /ˈwɪspər/
speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cords
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
whitenounUS /waɪt/
a Caucasian
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading It is my intention to suggest to the Dragon Emperor that the virtues of women be the subject of our discourse, and I will myself open and conclude the discussion.”
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
womannounUS /ˈwʊmən/
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
womennounUS /ˈwɪmən/
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading It is my intention to suggest to the Dragon Emperor that the virtues of women be the subject of our discourse, and I will myself open and conclude the discussion.”
worldnounUS /wɜːrld/
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading ‘A flaw in a piece of white jade May be ground away, But when a woman has spoken foolishly Nothing can be done-’ a consideration which should make every lady here and throughout the world think anxiously before speech.”
yellowadjectiveUS /ˈjeloʊ/
of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk
From this reading Scarce an hour had dripped away on the water-clock when an Imperial Missive bound with yellow silk arrived, and the August Aunt, rising, kotowed nine times before she received it in her jewelled hand with its delicate and lengthy nails ensheathed in pure gold and set with gems of the first water.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading Tsu-ssu was not long in kotowing before the August Aunt, who despatched her message with the proper ceremonial due to its Imperial destination; and meanwhile, in much agitation, the beauties could but twitter and whisper in each other’s ears, and await the response like condemned prisoners who yet hope for reprieve.
