used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading And suddenly, frighteningly, Hendley knew why the big table was almost always empty, and why the mention of the hunt had always created such a feverish interest.
(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 He saw with terrible clarity what he had unconsciously guessed all along.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading And suddenly, frighteningly, Hendley knew why the big table was almost always empty, and why the mention of the hunt had always created such a feverish interest.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading He saw with terrible clarity what he had unconsciously guessed all along.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading And suddenly, frighteningly, Hendley knew why the big table was almost always empty, and why the mention of the hunt had always created such a feverish interest.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading And suddenly, frighteningly, Hendley knew why the big table was almost always empty, and why the mention of the hunt had always created such a feverish interest.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The darkness of the woods in the hour before dawn was like a liquid frozen to a solid, imprisoning within its translucent substance the thin slivers of starlight, the waxen shapes of frozen leaves, the brittle tracery of branches, the cubes and cones of inky shadows.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading And suddenly, frighteningly, Hendley knew why the big table was almost always empty, and why the mention of the hunt had always created such a feverish interest.
plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization
From this reading The darkness of the woods in the hour before dawn was like a liquid frozen to a solid, imprisoning within its translucent substance the thin slivers of starlight, the waxen shapes of frozen leaves, the brittle tracery of branches, the cubes and cones of inky shadows.
brittleadjectiveUS /ˈbrɪtəl/
having little elasticity; hence easily cracked or fractured or snapped
From this reading The darkness of the woods in the hour before dawn was like a liquid frozen to a solid, imprisoning within its translucent substance the thin slivers of starlight, the waxen shapes of frozen leaves, the brittle tracery of branches, the cubes and cones of inky shadows.
claritynounUS /ˈklerəti/
free from obscurity and easy to understand; the comprehensibility of clear expression
From this reading He saw with terrible clarity what he had unconsciously guessed all along.
conesnounUS /koʊnz/
plural of “cone” — any cone-shaped artifact
From this reading The darkness of the woods in the hour before dawn was like a liquid frozen to a solid, imprisoning within its translucent substance the thin slivers of starlight, the waxen shapes of frozen leaves, the brittle tracery of branches, the cubes and cones of inky shadows.
cracksnounUS /kræks/
plural of “crack” — a long narrow opening
From this reading Moving stealthily, Hendley had a sense of shattering this density, of stealing then along the irregular, jagged cracks of the fragmented night.
createdverbUS /kriˈeɪtəd/
past form of “create” — make or cause to be or to become
From this reading And suddenly, frighteningly, Hendley knew why the big table was almost always empty, and why the mention of the hunt had always created such a feverish interest.
cubesnounUS /kjuːbz/
plural of “cube” — a hexahedron with six equal squares as faces
From this reading The darkness of the woods in the hour before dawn was like a liquid frozen to a solid, imprisoning within its translucent substance the thin slivers of starlight, the waxen shapes of frozen leaves, the brittle tracery of branches, the cubes and cones of inky shadows.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading The darkness of the woods in the hour before dawn was like a liquid frozen to a solid, imprisoning within its translucent substance the thin slivers of starlight, the waxen shapes of frozen leaves, the brittle tracery of branches, the cubes and cones of inky shadows.
the first light of day
From this reading The darkness of the woods in the hour before dawn was like a liquid frozen to a solid, imprisoning within its translucent substance the thin slivers of starlight, the waxen shapes of frozen leaves, the brittle tracery of branches, the cubes and cones of inky shadows.
densitynounUS /ˈdensəti/
the amount per unit size
From this reading Moving stealthily, Hendley had a sense of shattering this density, of stealing then along the irregular, jagged cracks of the fragmented night.
make void or empty of contents
From this reading And suddenly, frighteningly, Hendley knew why the big table was almost always empty, and why the mention of the hunt had always created such a feverish interest.
feverishadjectiveUS /ˈfiːvərɪʃ/
marked by intense agitation or emotion
From this reading And suddenly, frighteningly, Hendley knew why the big table was almost always empty, and why the mention of the hunt had always created such a feverish interest.
fragmentedadjectiveUS /ˈfræɡməntɪd/
having been divided; having the unity destroyed
From this reading Moving stealthily, Hendley had a sense of shattering this density, of stealing then along the irregular, jagged cracks of the fragmented night.
frighteninglyadverbUS /ˈfraɪtənɪŋli/
in an alarming manner
From this reading And suddenly, frighteningly, Hendley knew why the big table was almost always empty, and why the mention of the hunt had always created such a feverish interest.
frozenadjectiveUS /ˈfroʊzən/
turned into ice; affected by freezing or by long and severe cold
From this reading The darkness of the woods in the hour before dawn was like a liquid frozen to a solid, imprisoning within its translucent substance the thin slivers of starlight, the waxen shapes of frozen leaves, the brittle tracery of branches, the cubes and cones of inky shadows.
past form of “guess” — expect, believe, or suppose
From this reading He saw with terrible clarity what he had unconsciously guessed all along.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading And suddenly, frighteningly, Hendley knew why the big table was almost always empty, and why the mention of the hunt had always created such a feverish interest.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He saw with terrible clarity what he had unconsciously guessed all along.
Hendley
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And suddenly, frighteningly, Hendley knew why the big table was almost always empty, and why the mention of the hunt had always created such a feverish interest.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading The darkness of the woods in the hour before dawn was like a liquid frozen to a solid, imprisoning within its translucent substance the thin slivers of starlight, the waxen shapes of frozen leaves, the brittle tracery of branches, the cubes and cones of inky shadows.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading The prey of the hunters was human.
pursue for food or sport (as of wild animals)
From this reading And suddenly, frighteningly, Hendley knew why the big table was almost always empty, and why the mention of the hunt had always created such a feverish interest.
huntersnounUS /ˈhʌntərz/
plural of “hunter” — someone who hunts game
From this reading The prey of the hunters was human.
imprisoningverbUS /ˌɪmˈprɪzənɪŋ/
-ing form of “imprison” — lock up or confine, in or as in a jail
From this reading The darkness of the woods in the hour before dawn was like a liquid frozen to a solid, imprisoning within its translucent substance the thin slivers of starlight, the waxen shapes of frozen leaves, the brittle tracery of branches, the cubes and cones of inky shadows.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The darkness of the woods in the hour before dawn was like a liquid frozen to a solid, imprisoning within its translucent substance the thin slivers of starlight, the waxen shapes of frozen leaves, the brittle tracery of branches, the cubes and cones of inky shadows.
inkyadjectiveUS /ˈɪŋki/
of the color of black ink
From this reading The darkness of the woods in the hour before dawn was like a liquid frozen to a solid, imprisoning within its translucent substance the thin slivers of starlight, the waxen shapes of frozen leaves, the brittle tracery of branches, the cubes and cones of inky shadows.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading And suddenly, frighteningly, Hendley knew why the big table was almost always empty, and why the mention of the hunt had always created such a feverish interest.
irregularadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈreɡjələr/
contrary to rule or accepted order or general practice
From this reading Moving stealthily, Hendley had a sense of shattering this density, of stealing then along the irregular, jagged cracks of the fragmented night.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The darkness of the woods in the hour before dawn was like a liquid frozen to a solid, imprisoning within its translucent substance the thin slivers of starlight, the waxen shapes of frozen leaves, the brittle tracery of branches, the cubes and cones of inky shadows.
jaggedadjectiveUS /ˈdʒæɡəd/
having a sharply uneven surface or outline
From this reading Moving stealthily, Hendley had a sense of shattering this density, of stealing then along the irregular, jagged cracks of the fragmented night.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading And suddenly, frighteningly, Hendley knew why the big table was almost always empty, and why the mention of the hunt had always created such a feverish interest.
plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants
From this reading The darkness of the woods in the hour before dawn was like a liquid frozen to a solid, imprisoning within its translucent substance the thin slivers of starlight, the waxen shapes of frozen leaves, the brittle tracery of branches, the cubes and cones of inky shadows.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading The darkness of the woods in the hour before dawn was like a liquid frozen to a solid, imprisoning within its translucent substance the thin slivers of starlight, the waxen shapes of frozen leaves, the brittle tracery of branches, the cubes and cones of inky shadows.
liquidadjectiveUS /ˈlɪkwəd/
existing as or having characteristics of a liquid; especially tending to flow
From this reading The darkness of the woods in the hour before dawn was like a liquid frozen to a solid, imprisoning within its translucent substance the thin slivers of starlight, the waxen shapes of frozen leaves, the brittle tracery of branches, the cubes and cones of inky shadows.
make reference to
From this reading And suddenly, frighteningly, Hendley knew why the big table was almost always empty, and why the mention of the hunt had always created such a feverish interest.
in motion
From this reading Moving stealthily, Hendley had a sense of shattering this density, of stealing then along the irregular, jagged cracks of the fragmented night.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading Moving stealthily, Hendley had a sense of shattering this density, of stealing then along the irregular, jagged cracks of the fragmented night.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading And suddenly, frighteningly, Hendley knew why the big table was almost always empty, and why the mention of the hunt had always created such a feverish interest.
preynounUS /preɪ/
a person who is the aim of an attack (especially a victim of ridicule or exploitation) by some hostile person or influence
From this reading The prey of the hunters was human.
cut with a saw
From this reading He saw with terrible clarity what he had unconsciously guessed all along.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading Moving stealthily, Hendley had a sense of shattering this density, of stealing then along the irregular, jagged cracks of the fragmented night.
plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries
From this reading The darkness of the woods in the hour before dawn was like a liquid frozen to a solid, imprisoning within its translucent substance the thin slivers of starlight, the waxen shapes of frozen leaves, the brittle tracery of branches, the cubes and cones of inky shadows.
shapesnounUS /ʃeɪps/
plural of “shape” — any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
From this reading The darkness of the woods in the hour before dawn was like a liquid frozen to a solid, imprisoning within its translucent substance the thin slivers of starlight, the waxen shapes of frozen leaves, the brittle tracery of branches, the cubes and cones of inky shadows.
shatteringadjectiveUS /ˈʃætərɪŋ/
seemingly loud enough to break something; violently rattling or clattering
From this reading Moving stealthily, Hendley had a sense of shattering this density, of stealing then along the irregular, jagged cracks of the fragmented night.
sliversnounUS /ˈslɪvərz/
plural of “sliver” — a small thin sharp bit or wood or glass or metal
From this reading The darkness of the woods in the hour before dawn was like a liquid frozen to a solid, imprisoning within its translucent substance the thin slivers of starlight, the waxen shapes of frozen leaves, the brittle tracery of branches, the cubes and cones of inky shadows.
solidadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːləd/
characterized by good substantial quality
From this reading The darkness of the woods in the hour before dawn was like a liquid frozen to a solid, imprisoning within its translucent substance the thin slivers of starlight, the waxen shapes of frozen leaves, the brittle tracery of branches, the cubes and cones of inky shadows.
starlightnounUS /ˈstɑːrlaɪt/
the light of the stars
From this reading The darkness of the woods in the hour before dawn was like a liquid frozen to a solid, imprisoning within its translucent substance the thin slivers of starlight, the waxen shapes of frozen leaves, the brittle tracery of branches, the cubes and cones of inky shadows.
stealingnounUS /ˈstiːlɪŋ/
the act of taking something from someone unlawfully
From this reading Moving stealthily, Hendley had a sense of shattering this density, of stealing then along the irregular, jagged cracks of the fragmented night.
stealthilyadverb
in a stealthy manner
From this reading Moving stealthily, Hendley had a sense of shattering this density, of stealing then along the irregular, jagged cracks of the fragmented night.
substancenounUS /ˈsʌbstəns/
the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists
From this reading The darkness of the woods in the hour before dawn was like a liquid frozen to a solid, imprisoning within its translucent substance the thin slivers of starlight, the waxen shapes of frozen leaves, the brittle tracery of branches, the cubes and cones of inky shadows.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading And suddenly, frighteningly, Hendley knew why the big table was almost always empty, and why the mention of the hunt had always created such a feverish interest.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading And suddenly, frighteningly, Hendley knew why the big table was almost always empty, and why the mention of the hunt had always created such a feverish interest.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading And suddenly, frighteningly, Hendley knew why the big table was almost always empty, and why the mention of the hunt had always created such a feverish interest.
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading He saw with terrible clarity what he had unconsciously guessed all along.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading And suddenly, frighteningly, Hendley knew why the big table was almost always empty, and why the mention of the hunt had always created such a feverish interest.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Moving stealthily, Hendley had a sense of shattering this density, of stealing then along the irregular, jagged cracks of the fragmented night.
Having little thickness or extent.
From this reading The darkness of the woods in the hour before dawn was like a liquid frozen to a solid, imprisoning within its translucent substance the thin slivers of starlight, the waxen shapes of frozen leaves, the brittle tracery of branches, the cubes and cones of inky shadows.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Moving stealthily, Hendley had a sense of shattering this density, of stealing then along the irregular, jagged cracks of the fragmented night.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The darkness of the woods in the hour before dawn was like a liquid frozen to a solid, imprisoning within its translucent substance the thin slivers of starlight, the waxen shapes of frozen leaves, the brittle tracery of branches, the cubes and cones of inky shadows.
tracerynoun
decoration consisting of an open pattern of interlacing ribs
From this reading The darkness of the woods in the hour before dawn was like a liquid frozen to a solid, imprisoning within its translucent substance the thin slivers of starlight, the waxen shapes of frozen leaves, the brittle tracery of branches, the cubes and cones of inky shadows.
translucentadjectiveUS /trænˈsluːsənt/
allowing light to pass through diffusely
From this reading The darkness of the woods in the hour before dawn was like a liquid frozen to a solid, imprisoning within its translucent substance the thin slivers of starlight, the waxen shapes of frozen leaves, the brittle tracery of branches, the cubes and cones of inky shadows.
unconsciouslyadverbUS /ˌʌnˈkɑːnʃəsli/
without awareness
From this reading He saw with terrible clarity what he had unconsciously guessed all along.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading And suddenly, frighteningly, Hendley knew why the big table was almost always empty, and why the mention of the hunt had always created such a feverish interest.
waxenadjective
made of or covered with wax
From this reading The darkness of the woods in the hour before dawn was like a liquid frozen to a solid, imprisoning within its translucent substance the thin slivers of starlight, the waxen shapes of frozen leaves, the brittle tracery of branches, the cubes and cones of inky shadows.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading He saw with terrible clarity what he had unconsciously guessed all along.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading And suddenly, frighteningly, Hendley knew why the big table was almost always empty, and why the mention of the hunt had always created such a feverish interest.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He saw with terrible clarity what he had unconsciously guessed all along.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading The darkness of the woods in the hour before dawn was like a liquid frozen to a solid, imprisoning within its translucent substance the thin slivers of starlight, the waxen shapes of frozen leaves, the brittle tracery of branches, the cubes and cones of inky shadows.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading The darkness of the woods in the hour before dawn was like a liquid frozen to a solid, imprisoning within its translucent substance the thin slivers of starlight, the waxen shapes of frozen leaves, the brittle tracery of branches, the cubes and cones of inky shadows.
