used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading IN THE "JOURNAL" OFFICE The room was a long one, full of dazzling islands of light where shaded lamps above the isolated sub-editors' desks threw their white circles.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading IN THE "JOURNAL" OFFICE The room was a long one, full of dazzling islands of light where shaded lamps above the isolated sub-editors' desks threw their white circles.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading It never shone upon the big bookcase over the mantelpiece, or in the corner behind the man who conned the foreign exchanges, or on the nest of pigeonholes over against the chief "sub."
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading When he would refer to these he must needs emerge blinking from the blinding light in which he worked and go groping in the darkness for the needed memorandum.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He was sitting at his desk now, intent upon his work.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading It never shone upon the big bookcase over the mantelpiece, or in the corner behind the man who conned the foreign exchanges, or on the nest of pigeonholes over against the chief "sub."
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It never shone upon the big bookcase over the mantelpiece, or in the corner behind the man who conned the foreign exchanges, or on the nest of pigeonholes over against the chief "sub."
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading This room, too, was smirched with black shadows; there were odd corners where light never came.
blindingadjectiveUS /ˈblaɪndɪŋ/
shining intensely
From this reading When he would refer to these he must needs emerge blinking from the blinding light in which he worked and go groping in the darkness for the needed memorandum.
blinkingadjectiveUS /ˈblɪŋkɪŋ/
closing the eyes intermittently and rapidly
From this reading When he would refer to these he must needs emerge blinking from the blinding light in which he worked and go groping in the darkness for the needed memorandum.
bookcasenounUS /ˈbʊkkeɪs/
a piece of furniture with shelves for storing books
From this reading It never shone upon the big bookcase over the mantelpiece, or in the corner behind the man who conned the foreign exchanges, or on the nest of pigeonholes over against the chief "sub."
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading This room, too, was smirched with black shadows; there were odd corners where light never came.
a person who is in charge
From this reading It never shone upon the big bookcase over the mantelpiece, or in the corner behind the man who conned the foreign exchanges, or on the nest of pigeonholes over against the chief "sub."
circlesnounUS /ˈsɜːrkəlz/
plural of “circle” — ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point
From this reading IN THE "JOURNAL" OFFICE The room was a long one, full of dazzling islands of light where shaded lamps above the isolated sub-editors' desks threw their white circles.
connedverbUS /kɑːnd/
inflected form of “con” — deprive of by deceit
From this reading It never shone upon the big bookcase over the mantelpiece, or in the corner behind the man who conned the foreign exchanges, or on the nest of pigeonholes over against the chief "sub."
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading It never shone upon the big bookcase over the mantelpiece, or in the corner behind the man who conned the foreign exchanges, or on the nest of pigeonholes over against the chief "sub."
cornersnounUS /ˈkɔːrnərz/
plural of “corner” — a place off to the side of an area
From this reading This room, too, was smirched with black shadows; there were odd corners where light never came.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading When he would refer to these he must needs emerge blinking from the blinding light in which he worked and go groping in the darkness for the needed memorandum.
dazzlingadjectiveUS /ˈdæzəlɪŋ/
amazingly impressive; suggestive of the flashing of lightning
From this reading IN THE "JOURNAL" OFFICE The room was a long one, full of dazzling islands of light where shaded lamps above the isolated sub-editors' desks threw their white circles.
a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments
From this reading He was sitting at his desk now, intent upon his work.
desksnounUS /desks/
plural of “desk” — a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments
From this reading IN THE "JOURNAL" OFFICE The room was a long one, full of dazzling islands of light where shaded lamps above the isolated sub-editors' desks threw their white circles.
emergeverbUS /ɪˈmɜːrdʒ/
come out into view, as from concealment
From this reading When he would refer to these he must needs emerge blinking from the blinding light in which he worked and go groping in the darkness for the needed memorandum.
exchangesnounUS /ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒəz/
plural of “exchange” — chemical process in which one atom or ion or group changes places with another
From this reading It never shone upon the big bookcase over the mantelpiece, or in the corner behind the man who conned the foreign exchanges, or on the nest of pigeonholes over against the chief "sub."
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading When he would refer to these he must needs emerge blinking from the blinding light in which he worked and go groping in the darkness for the needed memorandum.
of concern to or concerning the affairs of other nations (other than your own)
From this reading It never shone upon the big bookcase over the mantelpiece, or in the corner behind the man who conned the foreign exchanges, or on the nest of pigeonholes over against the chief "sub."
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading When he would refer to these he must needs emerge blinking from the blinding light in which he worked and go groping in the darkness for the needed memorandum.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading IN THE "JOURNAL" OFFICE The room was a long one, full of dazzling islands of light where shaded lamps above the isolated sub-editors' desks threw their white circles.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading When he would refer to these he must needs emerge blinking from the blinding light in which he worked and go groping in the darkness for the needed memorandum.
gropingadjectiveUS /ˈɡroʊpɪŋ/
acting with uncertainty or hesitance or lack of confidence
From this reading When he would refer to these he must needs emerge blinking from the blinding light in which he worked and go groping in the darkness for the needed memorandum.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When he would refer to these he must needs emerge blinking from the blinding light in which he worked and go groping in the darkness for the needed memorandum.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He was sitting at his desk now, intent upon his work.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN THE "JOURNAL" OFFICE The room was a long one, full of dazzling islands of light where shaded lamps above the isolated sub-editors' desks threw their white circles.
intentnounUS /ˌɪnˈtent/
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading He was sitting at his desk now, intent upon his work.
plural of “island” — a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading IN THE "JOURNAL" OFFICE The room was a long one, full of dazzling islands of light where shaded lamps above the isolated sub-editors' desks threw their white circles.
isolatedadjectiveUS /ˈaɪsəleɪtəd/
not close together in time
From this reading IN THE "JOURNAL" OFFICE The room was a long one, full of dazzling islands of light where shaded lamps above the isolated sub-editors' desks threw their white circles.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It never shone upon the big bookcase over the mantelpiece, or in the corner behind the man who conned the foreign exchanges, or on the nest of pigeonholes over against the chief "sub."
JOURNALnounUS /ˈdʒɜːrnəl/
a daily written record of (usually personal) experiences and observations
From this reading IN THE "JOURNAL" OFFICE The room was a long one, full of dazzling islands of light where shaded lamps above the isolated sub-editors' desks threw their white circles.
lampsnounUS /læmps/
plural of “lamp” — an artificial source of visible illumination
From this reading IN THE "JOURNAL" OFFICE The room was a long one, full of dazzling islands of light where shaded lamps above the isolated sub-editors' desks threw their white circles.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading IN THE "JOURNAL" OFFICE The room was a long one, full of dazzling islands of light where shaded lamps above the isolated sub-editors' desks threw their white circles.
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 IN THE "JOURNAL" OFFICE The room was a long one, full of dazzling islands of light where shaded lamps above the isolated sub-editors' desks threw their white circles.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading It never shone upon the big bookcase over the mantelpiece, or in the corner behind the man who conned the foreign exchanges, or on the nest of pigeonholes over against the chief "sub."
mantelpiecenoun
shelf that projects from wall above fireplace
From this reading It never shone upon the big bookcase over the mantelpiece, or in the corner behind the man who conned the foreign exchanges, or on the nest of pigeonholes over against the chief "sub."
memorandumnounUS /ˌmemərˈændəm/
a written proposal or reminder
From this reading When he would refer to these he must needs emerge blinking from the blinding light in which he worked and go groping in the darkness for the needed memorandum.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading When he would refer to these he must needs emerge blinking from the blinding light in which he worked and go groping in the darkness for the needed memorandum.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading When he would refer to these he must needs emerge blinking from the blinding light in which he worked and go groping in the darkness for the needed memorandum.
in such a manner as could not be otherwise
From this reading When he would refer to these he must needs emerge blinking from the blinding light in which he worked and go groping in the darkness for the needed memorandum.
a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young
From this reading It never shone upon the big bookcase over the mantelpiece, or in the corner behind the man who conned the foreign exchanges, or on the nest of pigeonholes over against the chief "sub."
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading This room, too, was smirched with black shadows; there were odd corners where light never came.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading He was sitting at his desk now, intent upon his work.
not divisible by two
From this reading This room, too, was smirched with black shadows; there were odd corners where light never came.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading IN THE "JOURNAL" OFFICE The room was a long one, full of dazzling islands of light where shaded lamps above the isolated sub-editors' desks threw their white circles.
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading IN THE "JOURNAL" OFFICE The room was a long one, full of dazzling islands of light where shaded lamps above the isolated sub-editors' desks threw their white circles.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It never shone upon the big bookcase over the mantelpiece, or in the corner behind the man who conned the foreign exchanges, or on the nest of pigeonholes over against the chief "sub."
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading IN THE "JOURNAL" OFFICE The room was a long one, full of dazzling islands of light where shaded lamps above the isolated sub-editors' desks threw their white circles.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading It never shone upon the big bookcase over the mantelpiece, or in the corner behind the man who conned the foreign exchanges, or on the nest of pigeonholes over against the chief "sub."
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading It never shone upon the big bookcase over the mantelpiece, or in the corner behind the man who conned the foreign exchanges, or on the nest of pigeonholes over against the chief "sub."
pigeonholes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It never shone upon the big bookcase over the mantelpiece, or in the corner behind the man who conned the foreign exchanges, or on the nest of pigeonholes over against the chief "sub."
referverbUS /rəˈfɜːr/
make reference to
From this reading When he would refer to these he must needs emerge blinking from the blinding light in which he worked and go groping in the darkness for the needed memorandum.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading IN THE "JOURNAL" OFFICE The room was a long one, full of dazzling islands of light where shaded lamps above the isolated sub-editors' desks threw their white circles.
shadedadjectiveUS /ˈʃeɪdɪd/
protected from heat and light with shade or shadow
From this reading IN THE "JOURNAL" OFFICE The room was a long one, full of dazzling islands of light where shaded lamps above the isolated sub-editors' desks threw their white circles.
plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries
From this reading This room, too, was smirched with black shadows; there were odd corners where light never came.
inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light
From this reading It never shone upon the big bookcase over the mantelpiece, or in the corner behind the man who conned the foreign exchanges, or on the nest of pigeonholes over against the chief "sub."
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading He was sitting at his desk now, intent upon his work.
smirched
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This room, too, was smirched with black shadows; there were odd corners where light never came.
subverbUS /sʌb/
be a substitute
From this reading It never shone upon the big bookcase over the mantelpiece, or in the corner behind the man who conned the foreign exchanges, or on the nest of pigeonholes over against the chief "sub."
sub-editors
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN THE "JOURNAL" OFFICE The room was a long one, full of dazzling islands of light where shaded lamps above the isolated sub-editors' desks threw their white circles.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IN THE "JOURNAL" OFFICE The room was a long one, full of dazzling islands of light where shaded lamps above the isolated sub-editors' desks threw their white circles.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading IN THE "JOURNAL" OFFICE The room was a long one, full of dazzling islands of light where shaded lamps above the isolated sub-editors' desks threw their white circles.
in or at that place or location
From this reading This room, too, was smirched with black shadows; there were odd corners where light never came.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading When he would refer to these he must needs emerge blinking from the blinding light in which he worked and go groping in the darkness for the needed memorandum.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This room, too, was smirched with black shadows; there were odd corners where light never came.
inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air
From this reading IN THE "JOURNAL" OFFICE The room was a long one, full of dazzling islands of light where shaded lamps above the isolated sub-editors' desks threw their white circles.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading When he would refer to these he must needs emerge blinking from the blinding light in which he worked and go groping in the darkness for the needed memorandum.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading This room, too, was smirched with black shadows; there were odd corners where light never came.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading It never shone upon the big bookcase over the mantelpiece, or in the corner behind the man who conned the foreign exchanges, or on the nest of pigeonholes over against the chief "sub."
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading IN THE "JOURNAL" OFFICE The room was a long one, full of dazzling islands of light where shaded lamps above the isolated sub-editors' desks threw their white circles.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading This room, too, was smirched with black shadows; there were odd corners where light never came.
at the time that
From this reading When he would refer to these he must needs emerge blinking from the blinding light in which he worked and go groping in the darkness for the needed memorandum.
in or at the place that
From this reading IN THE "JOURNAL" OFFICE The room was a long one, full of dazzling islands of light where shaded lamps above the isolated sub-editors' desks threw their white circles.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading When he would refer to these he must needs emerge blinking from the blinding light in which he worked and go groping in the darkness for the needed memorandum.
a Caucasian
From this reading IN THE "JOURNAL" OFFICE The room was a long one, full of dazzling islands of light where shaded lamps above the isolated sub-editors' desks threw their white circles.
which person or people
From this reading It never shone upon the big bookcase over the mantelpiece, or in the corner behind the man who conned the foreign exchanges, or on the nest of pigeonholes over against the chief "sub."
in the company of; together with
From this reading This room, too, was smirched with black shadows; there were odd corners where light never came.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading He was sitting at his desk now, intent upon his work.
past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading When he would refer to these he must needs emerge blinking from the blinding light in which he worked and go groping in the darkness for the needed memorandum.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading When he would refer to these he must needs emerge blinking from the blinding light in which he worked and go groping in the darkness for the needed memorandum.
