Chapter I

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading HILL AND LEONARD NEW YORK CITY, U. S. A.

any specific behavior

From this reading All human activity apparently at an end, all sign of life lost in somber shadows.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading The stillness of a silence that is not silent; a stillness so dead that the croaking of frogs, the chirping of crickets, the barking of dogs, the hooting of owls, the rustling of leaves are not heard, although the air is heavy with those voices of the night--the stillness of a night in the country.

(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 All human activity apparently at an end, all sign of life lost in somber shadows.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading The stillness of a silence that is not silent; a stillness so dead that the croaking of frogs, the chirping of crickets, the barking of dogs, the hooting of owls, the rustling of leaves are not heard, although the air is heavy with those voices of the night--the stillness of a night in the country.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading HILL AND LEONARD NEW YORK CITY, U. S. A.

from appearances alone

From this reading All human activity apparently at an end, all sign of life lost in somber shadows.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading The stillness of a silence that is not silent; a stillness so dead that the croaking of frogs, the chirping of crickets, the barking of dogs, the hooting of owls, the rustling of leaves are not heard, although the air is heavy with those voices of the night--the stillness of a night in the country.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading All human activity apparently at an end, all sign of life lost in somber shadows.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading Author of "Graustark", "Castle Craneycrow", Etc.

-ing form of “bark” — speak in an unfriendly tone

From this reading The stillness of a silence that is not silent; a stillness so dead that the croaking of frogs, the chirping of crickets, the barking of dogs, the hooting of owls, the rustling of leaves are not heard, although the air is heavy with those voices of the night--the stillness of a night in the country.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

a large and stately mansion

From this reading Author of "Graustark", "Castle Craneycrow", Etc.

-ing form of “chirp” — make high-pitched sounds

From this reading The stillness of a silence that is not silent; a stillness so dead that the croaking of frogs, the chirping of crickets, the barking of dogs, the hooting of owls, the rustling of leaves are not heard, although the air is heavy with those voices of the night--the stillness of a night in the country.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading HILL AND LEONARD NEW YORK CITY, U. S. A.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading The stillness of a silence that is not silent; a stillness so dead that the croaking of frogs, the chirping of crickets, the barking of dogs, the hooting of owls, the rustling of leaves are not heard, although the air is heavy with those voices of the night--the stillness of a night in the country.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Author of "Graustark", "Castle Craneycrow", Etc.

plural of “cricket” — leaping insect; male makes chirping noises by rubbing the forewings together

From this reading The stillness of a silence that is not silent; a stillness so dead that the croaking of frogs, the chirping of crickets, the barking of dogs, the hooting of owls, the rustling of leaves are not heard, although the air is heavy with those voices of the night--the stillness of a night in the country.

a harsh hoarse utterance (as of a frog)

From this reading The stillness of a silence that is not silent; a stillness so dead that the croaking of frogs, the chirping of crickets, the barking of dogs, the hooting of owls, the rustling of leaves are not heard, although the air is heavy with those voices of the night--the stillness of a night in the country.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading The stillness of a silence that is not silent; a stillness so dead that the croaking of frogs, the chirping of crickets, the barking of dogs, the hooting of owls, the rustling of leaves are not heard, although the air is heavy with those voices of the night--the stillness of a night in the country.

plural of “dog” — a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds

From this reading The stillness of a silence that is not silent; a stillness so dead that the croaking of frogs, the chirping of crickets, the barking of dogs, the hooting of owls, the rustling of leaves are not heard, although the air is heavy with those voices of the night--the stillness of a night in the country.

plural of “draw” — a gully that is shallower than a ravine

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading All human activity apparently at an end, all sign of life lost in somber shadows.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Author of "Graustark", "Castle Craneycrow", Etc.

apart from; not including

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

plural of “feel” — an intuitive awareness

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

plural of “frog” — any of various tailless stout-bodied amphibians with long hind limbs for leaping; semiaquatic and terrestrial species

From this reading The stillness of a silence that is not silent; a stillness so dead that the croaking of frogs, the chirping of crickets, the barking of dogs, the hooting of owls, the rustling of leaves are not heard, although the air is heavy with those voices of the night--the stillness of a night in the country.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Author of "Graustark", "Castle Craneycrow", Etc.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading The stillness of a silence that is not silent; a stillness so dead that the croaking of frogs, the chirping of crickets, the barking of dogs, the hooting of owls, the rustling of leaves are not heard, although the air is heavy with those voices of the night--the stillness of a night in the country.

a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading HILL AND LEONARD NEW YORK CITY, U. S. A.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The stillness of a silence that is not silent; a stillness so dead that the croaking of frogs, the chirping of crickets, the barking of dogs, the hooting of owls, the rustling of leaves are not heard, although the air is heavy with those voices of the night--the stillness of a night in the country.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading All human activity apparently at an end, all sign of life lost in somber shadows.

impossible or difficult to perceive by the mind or senses

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading The stillness of a silence that is not silent; a stillness so dead that the croaking of frogs, the chirping of crickets, the barking of dogs, the hooting of owls, the rustling of leaves are not heard, although the air is heavy with those voices of the night--the stillness of a night in the country.

United States writer of thrillers (born in 1925)

From this reading HILL AND LEONARD NEW YORK CITY, U. S. A.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading All human activity apparently at an end, all sign of life lost in somber shadows.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading All human activity apparently at an end, all sign of life lost in somber shadows.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading HILL AND LEONARD NEW YORK CITY, U. S. A.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The stillness of a silence that is not silent; a stillness so dead that the croaking of frogs, the chirping of crickets, the barking of dogs, the hooting of owls, the rustling of leaves are not heard, although the air is heavy with those voices of the night--the stillness of a night in the country.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Author of "Graustark", "Castle Craneycrow", Etc.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

and nothing more

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

plural of “owl” — nocturnal bird of prey with hawk-like beak and claws and large head with front-facing eyes

From this reading The stillness of a silence that is not silent; a stillness so dead that the croaking of frogs, the chirping of crickets, the barking of dogs, the hooting of owls, the rustling of leaves are not heard, although the air is heavy with those voices of the night--the stillness of a night in the country.

by chance

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

third-person singular of “realize” — be fully aware or cognizant of

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

the stealing of cattle

From this reading The stillness of a silence that is not silent; a stillness so dead that the croaking of frogs, the chirping of crickets, the barking of dogs, the hooting of owls, the rustling of leaves are not heard, although the air is heavy with those voices of the night--the stillness of a night in the country.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading HILL AND LEONARD NEW YORK CITY, U. S. A.

plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries

From this reading All human activity apparently at an end, all sign of life lost in somber shadows.

a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading All human activity apparently at an end, all sign of life lost in somber shadows.

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

marked by absence of sound

From this reading The stillness of a silence that is not silent; a stillness so dead that the croaking of frogs, the chirping of crickets, the barking of dogs, the hooting of owls, the rustling of leaves are not heard, although the air is heavy with those voices of the night--the stillness of a night in the country.

plural of “sleep” — a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The stillness of a silence that is not silent; a stillness so dead that the croaking of frogs, the chirping of crickets, the barking of dogs, the hooting of owls, the rustling of leaves are not heard, although the air is heavy with those voices of the night--the stillness of a night in the country.

yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

lacking brightness or color; dull

From this reading All human activity apparently at an end, all sign of life lost in somber shadows.

plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

(poetic) tranquil silence

From this reading The stillness of a silence that is not silent; a stillness so dead that the croaking of frogs, the chirping of crickets, the barking of dogs, the hooting of owls, the rustling of leaves are not heard, although the air is heavy with those voices of the night--the stillness of a night in the country.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading The stillness of a silence that is not silent; a stillness so dead that the croaking of frogs, the chirping of crickets, the barking of dogs, the hooting of owls, the rustling of leaves are not heard, although the air is heavy with those voices of the night--the stillness of a night in the country.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

make physical contact with, come in contact with

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

a base containing nitrogen that is found in RNA (but not in DNA) and derived from pyrimidine; pairs with adenine

From this reading HILL AND LEONARD NEW YORK CITY, U. S. A.

not expected or anticipated

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading The stillness of a silence that is not silent; a stillness so dead that the croaking of frogs, the chirping of crickets, the barking of dogs, the hooting of owls, the rustling of leaves are not heard, although the air is heavy with those voices of the night--the stillness of a night in the country.

at the time that

From this reading Through the soft summer night came the sounds of the silence that is heard only when nature sleeps, imperceptible except as one feels it behind the breath he draws or perhaps realizes it in the touch of an unexpected branch or flower.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The stillness of a silence that is not silent; a stillness so dead that the croaking of frogs, the chirping of crickets, the barking of dogs, the hooting of owls, the rustling of leaves are not heard, although the air is heavy with those voices of the night--the stillness of a night in the country.

the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose

From this reading HILL AND LEONARD NEW YORK CITY, U. S. A.