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adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "It is a night of horror, and some great disaster threatens us for certain.
acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/
from one side of something to the other
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
againnounUS /again/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last he impatiently laid aside his instruments, his waxed tablet and style, and desired the gate-keeper--the father of poor little Philo--whose duty it was to attend at night on the astrologers on the tower, to carry down all his paraphernalia, as the heavens were not this evening favorable to his labors.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
Antiochus
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From this reading Fifteen years have I been in my place, and I never saw such a night but once before, and the very next day the soldiers of Antiochus, the Syrian king, came and plundered our treasury.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading At last he impatiently laid aside his instruments, his waxed tablet and style, and desired the gate-keeper--the father of poor little Philo--whose duty it was to attend at night on the astrologers on the tower, to carry down all his paraphernalia, as the heavens were not this evening favorable to his labors.
aside
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From this reading At last he impatiently laid aside his instruments, his waxed tablet and style, and desired the gate-keeper--the father of poor little Philo--whose duty it was to attend at night on the astrologers on the tower, to carry down all his paraphernalia, as the heavens were not this evening favorable to his labors.
astrologer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
astrologer's
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From this reading "Favorable!" exclaimed the gate-keeper, catching up the astrologer's words, and shrugging his shoulders so high that his head disappeared between them.
astrologers
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From this reading At last he impatiently laid aside his instruments, his waxed tablet and style, and desired the gate-keeper--the father of poor little Philo--whose duty it was to attend at night on the astrologers on the tower, to carry down all his paraphernalia, as the heavens were not this evening favorable to his labors.
AtprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At last he impatiently laid aside his instruments, his waxed tablet and style, and desired the gate-keeper--the father of poor little Philo--whose duty it was to attend at night on the astrologers on the tower, to carry down all his paraphernalia, as the heavens were not this evening favorable to his labors.
attend
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last he impatiently laid aside his instruments, his waxed tablet and style, and desired the gate-keeper--the father of poor little Philo--whose duty it was to attend at night on the astrologers on the tower, to carry down all his paraphernalia, as the heavens were not this evening favorable to his labors.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Fifteen years have I been in my place, and I never saw such a night but once before, and the very next day the soldiers of Antiochus, the Syrian king, came and plundered our treasury.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Fifteen years have I been in my place, and I never saw such a night but once before, and the very next day the soldiers of Antiochus, the Syrian king, came and plundered our treasury.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading "Favorable!" exclaimed the gate-keeper, catching up the astrologer's words, and shrugging his shoulders so high that his head disappeared between them.
black
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
came
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fifteen years have I been in my place, and I never saw such a night but once before, and the very next day the soldiers of Antiochus, the Syrian king, came and plundered our treasury.
carry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last he impatiently laid aside his instruments, his waxed tablet and style, and desired the gate-keeper--the father of poor little Philo--whose duty it was to attend at night on the astrologers on the tower, to carry down all his paraphernalia, as the heavens were not this evening favorable to his labors.
catching
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From this reading "Favorable!" exclaimed the gate-keeper, catching up the astrologer's words, and shrugging his shoulders so high that his head disappeared between them.
certain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It is a night of horror, and some great disaster threatens us for certain.
clouds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
day
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From this reading Fifteen years have I been in my place, and I never saw such a night but once before, and the very next day the soldiers of Antiochus, the Syrian king, came and plundered our treasury.
desired
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last he impatiently laid aside his instruments, his waxed tablet and style, and desired the gate-keeper--the father of poor little Philo--whose duty it was to attend at night on the astrologers on the tower, to carry down all his paraphernalia, as the heavens were not this evening favorable to his labors.
destined
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
directed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
disappearednounUS /ˈdisappeared/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading "Favorable!" exclaimed the gate-keeper, catching up the astrologer's words, and shrugging his shoulders so high that his head disappeared between them.
disaster
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It is a night of horror, and some great disaster threatens us for certain.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last he impatiently laid aside his instruments, his waxed tablet and style, and desired the gate-keeper--the father of poor little Philo--whose duty it was to attend at night on the astrologers on the tower, to carry down all his paraphernalia, as the heavens were not this evening favorable to his labors.
driving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
dutynounUS /ˈduːti/
a responsibility that must be carried out
From this reading At last he impatiently laid aside his instruments, his waxed tablet and style, and desired the gate-keeper--the father of poor little Philo--whose duty it was to attend at night on the astrologers on the tower, to carry down all his paraphernalia, as the heavens were not this evening favorable to his labors.
evening
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last he impatiently laid aside his instruments, his waxed tablet and style, and desired the gate-keeper--the father of poor little Philo--whose duty it was to attend at night on the astrologers on the tower, to carry down all his paraphernalia, as the heavens were not this evening favorable to his labors.
exclaimed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Favorable!" exclaimed the gate-keeper, catching up the astrologer's words, and shrugging his shoulders so high that his head disappeared between them.
father
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last he impatiently laid aside his instruments, his waxed tablet and style, and desired the gate-keeper--the father of poor little Philo--whose duty it was to attend at night on the astrologers on the tower, to carry down all his paraphernalia, as the heavens were not this evening favorable to his labors.
favorable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last he impatiently laid aside his instruments, his waxed tablet and style, and desired the gate-keeper--the father of poor little Philo--whose duty it was to attend at night on the astrologers on the tower, to carry down all his paraphernalia, as the heavens were not this evening favorable to his labors.
Fifteen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fifteen years have I been in my place, and I never saw such a night but once before, and the very next day the soldiers of Antiochus, the Syrian king, came and plundered our treasury.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
fulfil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
gate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
gate-keeper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last he impatiently laid aside his instruments, his waxed tablet and style, and desired the gate-keeper--the father of poor little Philo--whose duty it was to attend at night on the astrologers on the tower, to carry down all his paraphernalia, as the heavens were not this evening favorable to his labors.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "It is a night of horror, and some great disaster threatens us for certain.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Fifteen years have I been in my place, and I never saw such a night but once before, and the very next day the soldiers of Antiochus, the Syrian king, came and plundered our treasury.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
head
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Favorable!" exclaimed the gate-keeper, catching up the astrologer's words, and shrugging his shoulders so high that his head disappeared between them.
heavens
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
high
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Favorable!" exclaimed the gate-keeper, catching up the astrologer's words, and shrugging his shoulders so high that his head disappeared between them.
highest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
horror
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It is a night of horror, and some great disaster threatens us for certain.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Fifteen years have I been in my place, and I never saw such a night but once before, and the very next day the soldiers of Antiochus, the Syrian king, came and plundered our treasury.
impatiently
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last he impatiently laid aside his instruments, his waxed tablet and style, and desired the gate-keeper--the father of poor little Philo--whose duty it was to attend at night on the astrologers on the tower, to carry down all his paraphernalia, as the heavens were not this evening favorable to his labors.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Fifteen years have I been in my place, and I never saw such a night but once before, and the very next day the soldiers of Antiochus, the Syrian king, came and plundered our treasury.
instruments
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last he impatiently laid aside his instruments, his waxed tablet and style, and desired the gate-keeper--the father of poor little Philo--whose duty it was to attend at night on the astrologers on the tower, to carry down all his paraphernalia, as the heavens were not this evening favorable to his labors.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "It is a night of horror, and some great disaster threatens us for certain.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
king
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fifteen years have I been in my place, and I never saw such a night but once before, and the very next day the soldiers of Antiochus, the Syrian king, came and plundered our treasury.
labors
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last he impatiently laid aside his instruments, his waxed tablet and style, and desired the gate-keeper--the father of poor little Philo--whose duty it was to attend at night on the astrologers on the tower, to carry down all his paraphernalia, as the heavens were not this evening favorable to his labors.
laid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last he impatiently laid aside his instruments, his waxed tablet and style, and desired the gate-keeper--the father of poor little Philo--whose duty it was to attend at night on the astrologers on the tower, to carry down all his paraphernalia, as the heavens were not this evening favorable to his labors.
lastnounUS /last/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading At last he impatiently laid aside his instruments, his waxed tablet and style, and desired the gate-keeper--the father of poor little Philo--whose duty it was to attend at night on the astrologers on the tower, to carry down all his paraphernalia, as the heavens were not this evening favorable to his labors.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading At last he impatiently laid aside his instruments, his waxed tablet and style, and desired the gate-keeper--the father of poor little Philo--whose duty it was to attend at night on the astrologers on the tower, to carry down all his paraphernalia, as the heavens were not this evening favorable to his labors.
mounted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Fifteen years have I been in my place, and I never saw such a night but once before, and the very next day the soldiers of Antiochus, the Syrian king, came and plundered our treasury.
nevernounUS /never/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Fifteen years have I been in my place, and I never saw such a night but once before, and the very next day the soldiers of Antiochus, the Syrian king, came and plundered our treasury.
nextnounUS /next/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Fifteen years have I been in my place, and I never saw such a night but once before, and the very next day the soldiers of Antiochus, the Syrian king, came and plundered our treasury.
night
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last he impatiently laid aside his instruments, his waxed tablet and style, and desired the gate-keeper--the father of poor little Philo--whose duty it was to attend at night on the astrologers on the tower, to carry down all his paraphernalia, as the heavens were not this evening favorable to his labors.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
observations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
observe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
occasion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
OnprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
once
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fifteen years have I been in my place, and I never saw such a night but once before, and the very next day the soldiers of Antiochus, the Syrian king, came and plundered our treasury.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Fifteen years have I been in my place, and I never saw such a night but once before, and the very next day the soldiers of Antiochus, the Syrian king, came and plundered our treasury.
paraphernalia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last he impatiently laid aside his instruments, his waxed tablet and style, and desired the gate-keeper--the father of poor little Philo--whose duty it was to attend at night on the astrologers on the tower, to carry down all his paraphernalia, as the heavens were not this evening favorable to his labors.
partnounUS /part/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
Philo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last he impatiently laid aside his instruments, his waxed tablet and style, and desired the gate-keeper--the father of poor little Philo--whose duty it was to attend at night on the astrologers on the tower, to carry down all his paraphernalia, as the heavens were not this evening favorable to his labors.
place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fifteen years have I been in my place, and I never saw such a night but once before, and the very next day the soldiers of Antiochus, the Syrian king, came and plundered our treasury.
plunderedverbUS /ˈplʌndərd/
stole goods or valuables by force after an attack
From this reading Fifteen years have I been in my place, and I never saw such a night but once before, and the very next day the soldiers of Antiochus, the Syrian king, came and plundered our treasury.
poornounUS /poor/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading At last he impatiently laid aside his instruments, his waxed tablet and style, and desired the gate-keeper--the father of poor little Philo--whose duty it was to attend at night on the astrologers on the tower, to carry down all his paraphernalia, as the heavens were not this evening favorable to his labors.
portion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
principally
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
pylon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
roof
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
saw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fifteen years have I been in my place, and I never saw such a night but once before, and the very next day the soldiers of Antiochus, the Syrian king, came and plundered our treasury.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
Serapeum
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
shoulders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Favorable!" exclaimed the gate-keeper, catching up the astrologer's words, and shrugging his shoulders so high that his head disappeared between them.
shrugging
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Favorable!" exclaimed the gate-keeper, catching up the astrologer's words, and shrugging his shoulders so high that his head disappeared between them.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading "Favorable!" exclaimed the gate-keeper, catching up the astrologer's words, and shrugging his shoulders so high that his head disappeared between them.
soldiers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fifteen years have I been in my place, and I never saw such a night but once before, and the very next day the soldiers of Antiochus, the Syrian king, came and plundered our treasury.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It is a night of horror, and some great disaster threatens us for certain.
stars
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
stoodnounUS /stood/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
style
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last he impatiently laid aside his instruments, his waxed tablet and style, and desired the gate-keeper--the father of poor little Philo--whose duty it was to attend at night on the astrologers on the tower, to carry down all his paraphernalia, as the heavens were not this evening favorable to his labors.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Fifteen years have I been in my place, and I never saw such a night but once before, and the very next day the soldiers of Antiochus, the Syrian king, came and plundered our treasury.
swept
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
swiftly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
Syrian
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fifteen years have I been in my place, and I never saw such a night but once before, and the very next day the soldiers of Antiochus, the Syrian king, came and plundered our treasury.
tablet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last he impatiently laid aside his instruments, his waxed tablet and style, and desired the gate-keeper--the father of poor little Philo--whose duty it was to attend at night on the astrologers on the tower, to carry down all his paraphernalia, as the heavens were not this evening favorable to his labors.
task
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
temple
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading "Favorable!" exclaimed the gate-keeper, catching up the astrologer's words, and shrugging his shoulders so high that his head disappeared between them.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
threatens
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It is a night of horror, and some great disaster threatens us for certain.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
tower
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
treasury
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fifteen years have I been in my place, and I never saw such a night but once before, and the very next day the soldiers of Antiochus, the Syrian king, came and plundered our treasury.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Favorable!" exclaimed the gate-keeper, catching up the astrologer's words, and shrugging his shoulders so high that his head disappeared between them.
uspronounUS /ʌs/
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "It is a night of horror, and some great disaster threatens us for certain.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fifteen years have I been in my place, and I never saw such a night but once before, and the very next day the soldiers of Antiochus, the Syrian king, came and plundered our treasury.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
waxed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last he impatiently laid aside his instruments, his waxed tablet and style, and desired the gate-keeper--the father of poor little Philo--whose duty it was to attend at night on the astrologers on the tower, to carry down all his paraphernalia, as the heavens were not this evening favorable to his labors.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading On the roof of the tower of the pylon by the gate of the Serapeum stood an astrologer who had mounted to this, the highest part of the temple, to observe the stars; but it seemed that he was not destined on this occasion to fulfil his task, for swiftly driving black clouds swept again and again across that portion of the heavens to which his observations were principally directed.
whosedeterminerUS /huːz/
belonging to which person
From this reading At last he impatiently laid aside his instruments, his waxed tablet and style, and desired the gate-keeper--the father of poor little Philo--whose duty it was to attend at night on the astrologers on the tower, to carry down all his paraphernalia, as the heavens were not this evening favorable to his labors.
words
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Favorable!" exclaimed the gate-keeper, catching up the astrologer's words, and shrugging his shoulders so high that his head disappeared between them.
years
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Fifteen years have I been in my place, and I never saw such a night but once before, and the very next day the soldiers of Antiochus, the Syrian king, came and plundered our treasury.
