Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
accompanied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was presently a step on the uncarpeted flight of attic stairs, accompanied by a pattering of broad paws, and Pamela, closely attended by the inevitable Max, slid with due caution into the room.
acids
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Christopher’s long hands moved mysteriously in the crimson light, among phials, baths, and cases of negatives, while uncanny smells of various acids and compounds thickened the atmosphere.
air
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading Christopher’s long hands moved mysteriously in the crimson light, among phials, baths, and cases of negatives, while uncanny smells of various acids and compounds thickened the atmosphere.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading “Well, Christopher,” she began, sitting gingerly down in the darkness on an old imperial, a relic of the period when Sir Benjamin posted to Dublin in his own carriage, “Mamma says she _is_ to come!”
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading There was no sound in the red gloom, except the steady trickle of running water, and the anxious breathing of the photographer.
angular
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
anxious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was no sound in the red gloom, except the steady trickle of running water, and the anxious breathing of the photographer.
atmosphere
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Christopher’s long hands moved mysteriously in the crimson light, among phials, baths, and cases of negatives, while uncanny smells of various acids and compounds thickened the atmosphere.
attended
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was presently a step on the uncarpeted flight of attic stairs, accompanied by a pattering of broad paws, and Pamela, closely attended by the inevitable Max, slid with due caution into the room.
attic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was presently a step on the uncarpeted flight of attic stairs, accompanied by a pattering of broad paws, and Pamela, closely attended by the inevitable Max, slid with due caution into the room.
ball
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
baths
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Christopher’s long hands moved mysteriously in the crimson light, among phials, baths, and cases of negatives, while uncanny smells of various acids and compounds thickened the atmosphere.
begannounUS /began/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading “Well, Christopher,” she began, sitting gingerly down in the darkness on an old imperial, a relic of the period when Sir Benjamin posted to Dublin in his own carriage, “Mamma says she _is_ to come!”
Benjamin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Well, Christopher,” she began, sitting gingerly down in the darkness on an old imperial, a relic of the period when Sir Benjamin posted to Dublin in his own carriage, “Mamma says she _is_ to come!”
Bluebeard's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
breathing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was no sound in the red gloom, except the steady trickle of running water, and the anxious breathing of the photographer.
broad
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was presently a step on the uncarpeted flight of attic stairs, accompanied by a pattering of broad paws, and Pamela, closely attended by the inevitable Max, slid with due caution into the room.
brokennounUS /broken/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
carriage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Well, Christopher,” she began, sitting gingerly down in the darkness on an old imperial, a relic of the period when Sir Benjamin posted to Dublin in his own carriage, “Mamma says she _is_ to come!”
cases
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Christopher’s long hands moved mysteriously in the crimson light, among phials, baths, and cases of negatives, while uncanny smells of various acids and compounds thickened the atmosphere.
caution
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was presently a step on the uncarpeted flight of attic stairs, accompanied by a pattering of broad paws, and Pamela, closely attended by the inevitable Max, slid with due caution into the room.
Christopher
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Well, Christopher,” she began, sitting gingerly down in the darkness on an old imperial, a relic of the period when Sir Benjamin posted to Dublin in his own carriage, “Mamma says she _is_ to come!”
Christopher's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Christopher’s long hands moved mysteriously in the crimson light, among phials, baths, and cases of negatives, while uncanny smells of various acids and compounds thickened the atmosphere.
closely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was presently a step on the uncarpeted flight of attic stairs, accompanied by a pattering of broad paws, and Pamela, closely attended by the inevitable Max, slid with due caution into the room.
comenounUS /come/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading “Well, Christopher,” she began, sitting gingerly down in the darkness on an old imperial, a relic of the period when Sir Benjamin posted to Dublin in his own carriage, “Mamma says she _is_ to come!”
compounds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Christopher’s long hands moved mysteriously in the crimson light, among phials, baths, and cases of negatives, while uncanny smells of various acids and compounds thickened the atmosphere.
corners
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
crimson
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Christopher’s long hands moved mysteriously in the crimson light, among phials, baths, and cases of negatives, while uncanny smells of various acids and compounds thickened the atmosphere.
darkness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Well, Christopher,” she began, sitting gingerly down in the darkness on an old imperial, a relic of the period when Sir Benjamin posted to Dublin in his own carriage, “Mamma says she _is_ to come!”
developing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
dimly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
door
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Well, Christopher,” she began, sitting gingerly down in the darkness on an old imperial, a relic of the period when Sir Benjamin posted to Dublin in his own carriage, “Mamma says she _is_ to come!”
Dublin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Well, Christopher,” she began, sitting gingerly down in the darkness on an old imperial, a relic of the period when Sir Benjamin posted to Dublin in his own carriage, “Mamma says she _is_ to come!”
due
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was presently a step on the uncarpeted flight of attic stairs, accompanied by a pattering of broad paws, and Pamela, closely attended by the inevitable Max, slid with due caution into the room.
exceptprepositionUS /ɪkˈsept/
apart from; not including
From this reading There was no sound in the red gloom, except the steady trickle of running water, and the anxious breathing of the photographer.
flight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was presently a step on the uncarpeted flight of attic stairs, accompanied by a pattering of broad paws, and Pamela, closely attended by the inevitable Max, slid with due caution into the room.
forced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
ghosts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
gingerly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Well, Christopher,” she began, sitting gingerly down in the darkness on an old imperial, a relic of the period when Sir Benjamin posted to Dublin in his own carriage, “Mamma says she _is_ to come!”
gloom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was no sound in the red gloom, except the steady trickle of running water, and the anxious breathing of the photographer.
handsplural nounUS /hændz/
members of a ship’s crew
From this reading Christopher’s long hands moved mysteriously in the crimson light, among phials, baths, and cases of negatives, while uncanny smells of various acids and compounds thickened the atmosphere.
head
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
hind-legs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading “Well, Christopher,” she began, sitting gingerly down in the darkness on an old imperial, a relic of the period when Sir Benjamin posted to Dublin in his own carriage, “Mamma says she _is_ to come!”
hung
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
imperial
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Well, Christopher,” she began, sitting gingerly down in the darkness on an old imperial, a relic of the period when Sir Benjamin posted to Dublin in his own carriage, “Mamma says she _is_ to come!”
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There was no sound in the red gloom, except the steady trickle of running water, and the anxious breathing of the photographer.
inevitable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was presently a step on the uncarpeted flight of attic stairs, accompanied by a pattering of broad paws, and Pamela, closely attended by the inevitable Max, slid with due caution into the room.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading There was presently a step on the uncarpeted flight of attic stairs, accompanied by a pattering of broad paws, and Pamela, closely attended by the inevitable Max, slid with due caution into the room.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “Well, Christopher,” she began, sitting gingerly down in the darkness on an old imperial, a relic of the period when Sir Benjamin posted to Dublin in his own carriage, “Mamma says she _is_ to come!”
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
light
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Christopher’s long hands moved mysteriously in the crimson light, among phials, baths, and cases of negatives, while uncanny smells of various acids and compounds thickened the atmosphere.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Christopher’s long hands moved mysteriously in the crimson light, among phials, baths, and cases of negatives, while uncanny smells of various acids and compounds thickened the atmosphere.
Mamma
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Well, Christopher,” she began, sitting gingerly down in the darkness on an old imperial, a relic of the period when Sir Benjamin posted to Dublin in his own carriage, “Mamma says she _is_ to come!”
Max
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was presently a step on the uncarpeted flight of attic stairs, accompanied by a pattering of broad paws, and Pamela, closely attended by the inevitable Max, slid with due caution into the room.
moved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Christopher’s long hands moved mysteriously in the crimson light, among phials, baths, and cases of negatives, while uncanny smells of various acids and compounds thickened the atmosphere.
mysteriously
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Christopher’s long hands moved mysteriously in the crimson light, among phials, baths, and cases of negatives, while uncanny smells of various acids and compounds thickened the atmosphere.
narrow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
negatives
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Christopher’s long hands moved mysteriously in the crimson light, among phials, baths, and cases of negatives, while uncanny smells of various acids and compounds thickened the atmosphere.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading There was no sound in the red gloom, except the steady trickle of running water, and the anxious breathing of the photographer.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading There was no sound in the red gloom, except the steady trickle of running water, and the anxious breathing of the photographer.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
own
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Well, Christopher,” she began, sitting gingerly down in the darkness on an old imperial, a relic of the period when Sir Benjamin posted to Dublin in his own carriage, “Mamma says she _is_ to come!”
Pamela
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was presently a step on the uncarpeted flight of attic stairs, accompanied by a pattering of broad paws, and Pamela, closely attended by the inevitable Max, slid with due caution into the room.
passagenounUS /ˈpassage/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
pattering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was presently a step on the uncarpeted flight of attic stairs, accompanied by a pattering of broad paws, and Pamela, closely attended by the inevitable Max, slid with due caution into the room.
paws
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was presently a step on the uncarpeted flight of attic stairs, accompanied by a pattering of broad paws, and Pamela, closely attended by the inevitable Max, slid with due caution into the room.
period
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Well, Christopher,” she began, sitting gingerly down in the darkness on an old imperial, a relic of the period when Sir Benjamin posted to Dublin in his own carriage, “Mamma says she _is_ to come!”
phials
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Christopher’s long hands moved mysteriously in the crimson light, among phials, baths, and cases of negatives, while uncanny smells of various acids and compounds thickened the atmosphere.
photographer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was no sound in the red gloom, except the steady trickle of running water, and the anxious breathing of the photographer.
Piles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
posted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Well, Christopher,” she began, sitting gingerly down in the darkness on an old imperial, a relic of the period when Sir Benjamin posted to Dublin in his own carriage, “Mamma says she _is_ to come!”
presently
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was presently a step on the uncarpeted flight of attic stairs, accompanied by a pattering of broad paws, and Pamela, closely attended by the inevitable Max, slid with due caution into the room.
red
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was no sound in the red gloom, except the steady trickle of running water, and the anxious breathing of the photographer.
relic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Well, Christopher,” she began, sitting gingerly down in the darkness on an old imperial, a relic of the period when Sir Benjamin posted to Dublin in his own carriage, “Mamma says she _is_ to come!”
room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was presently a step on the uncarpeted flight of attic stairs, accompanied by a pattering of broad paws, and Pamela, closely attended by the inevitable Max, slid with due caution into the room.
runningnounUS /ˈrunning/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading There was no sound in the red gloom, except the steady trickle of running water, and the anxious breathing of the photographer.
says
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Well, Christopher,” she began, sitting gingerly down in the darkness on an old imperial, a relic of the period when Sir Benjamin posted to Dublin in his own carriage, “Mamma says she _is_ to come!”
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “Well, Christopher,” she began, sitting gingerly down in the darkness on an old imperial, a relic of the period when Sir Benjamin posted to Dublin in his own carriage, “Mamma says she _is_ to come!”
Sir
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Well, Christopher,” she began, sitting gingerly down in the darkness on an old imperial, a relic of the period when Sir Benjamin posted to Dublin in his own carriage, “Mamma says she _is_ to come!”
sitting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Well, Christopher,” she began, sitting gingerly down in the darkness on an old imperial, a relic of the period when Sir Benjamin posted to Dublin in his own carriage, “Mamma says she _is_ to come!”
skirts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
slid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was presently a step on the uncarpeted flight of attic stairs, accompanied by a pattering of broad paws, and Pamela, closely attended by the inevitable Max, slid with due caution into the room.
smells
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Christopher’s long hands moved mysteriously in the crimson light, among phials, baths, and cases of negatives, while uncanny smells of various acids and compounds thickened the atmosphere.
sofa
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
sound
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was no sound in the red gloom, except the steady trickle of running water, and the anxious breathing of the photographer.
stairs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was presently a step on the uncarpeted flight of attic stairs, accompanied by a pattering of broad paws, and Pamela, closely attended by the inevitable Max, slid with due caution into the room.
steady
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was no sound in the red gloom, except the steady trickle of running water, and the anxious breathing of the photographer.
stepnounUS /step/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading There was presently a step on the uncarpeted flight of attic stairs, accompanied by a pattering of broad paws, and Pamela, closely attended by the inevitable Max, slid with due caution into the room.
stoodnounUS /stood/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
superannuated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
tap
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading There was no sound in the red gloom, except the steady trickle of running water, and the anxious breathing of the photographer.
There
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was no sound in the red gloom, except the steady trickle of running water, and the anxious breathing of the photographer.
thickened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Christopher’s long hands moved mysteriously in the crimson light, among phials, baths, and cases of negatives, while uncanny smells of various acids and compounds thickened the atmosphere.
three
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
towered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
trickle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was no sound in the red gloom, except the steady trickle of running water, and the anxious breathing of the photographer.
trunks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
uncanny
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Christopher’s long hands moved mysteriously in the crimson light, among phials, baths, and cases of negatives, while uncanny smells of various acids and compounds thickened the atmosphere.
uncarpeted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was presently a step on the uncarpeted flight of attic stairs, accompanied by a pattering of broad paws, and Pamela, closely attended by the inevitable Max, slid with due caution into the room.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
various
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Christopher’s long hands moved mysteriously in the crimson light, among phials, baths, and cases of negatives, while uncanny smells of various acids and compounds thickened the atmosphere.
wall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There was no sound in the red gloom, except the steady trickle of running water, and the anxious breathing of the photographer.
water
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was no sound in the red gloom, except the steady trickle of running water, and the anxious breathing of the photographer.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
Well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Well, Christopher,” she began, sitting gingerly down in the darkness on an old imperial, a relic of the period when Sir Benjamin posted to Dublin in his own carriage, “Mamma says she _is_ to come!”
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading “Well, Christopher,” she began, sitting gingerly down in the darkness on an old imperial, a relic of the period when Sir Benjamin posted to Dublin in his own carriage, “Mamma says she _is_ to come!”
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Christopher’s long hands moved mysteriously in the crimson light, among phials, baths, and cases of negatives, while uncanny smells of various acids and compounds thickened the atmosphere.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
wives
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Piles of old trunks towered dimly in the corners, a superannuated sofa stood on its head by the wall, with its broken hind-legs in the air, three old ball skirts hung like ghosts of Bluebeard’s wives upon the door, from which, to Christopher’s developing tap, a narrow passage forced its angular way.
