adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
aliveadjectiveUS /əˈlaɪv/
possessing life
From this reading I at first doubted whether it were not a mummy curiously preserved, but it moved, and I saw that it was alive.
alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/
(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 These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
alligatorsnounUS /ˈæləɡeɪtərz/
plural of “alligator” — leather made from alligator's hide
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
anotherdeterminerUS /əˈnʌðər/
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading It was another of these black-cloaked old men, and, as I regarded his quaint physiognomy, his obsolete garb, and the hideous and sinister objects by which he was surrounded, I began to persuade myself that I had come upon the arch-mage who ruled over this magical fraternity.
approachedverbUS /əˈproʊtʃt/
past form of “approach” — move towards
From this reading I approached to regard more narrowly this mystic chamber, which seemed a fitting laboratory for a necromancer, when I was startled at beholding a human countenance staring at me from a dusky corner.
arch-mage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was another of these black-cloaked old men, and, as I regarded his quaint physiognomy, his obsolete garb, and the hideous and sinister objects by which he was surrounded, I began to persuade myself that I had come upon the arch-mage who ruled over this magical fraternity.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading I approached to regard more narrowly this mystic chamber, which seemed a fitting laboratory for a necromancer, when I was startled at beholding a human countenance staring at me from a dusky corner.
bedsteadnoun
the framework of a bed
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
beganverbUS /bɪˈɡæn/
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading It was another of these black-cloaked old men, and, as I regarded his quaint physiognomy, his obsolete garb, and the hideous and sinister objects by which he was surrounded, I began to persuade myself that I had come upon the arch-mage who ruled over this magical fraternity.
beholdingnounUS /bɪˈhoʊldɪŋ/
perception by means of the eyes
From this reading I approached to regard more narrowly this mystic chamber, which seemed a fitting laboratory for a necromancer, when I was startled at beholding a human countenance staring at me from a dusky corner.
black-cloaked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was another of these black-cloaked old men, and, as I regarded his quaint physiognomy, his obsolete garb, and the hideous and sinister objects by which he was surrounded, I began to persuade myself that I had come upon the arch-mage who ruled over this magical fraternity.
bottledverbUS /ˈbɑːtəld/
past form of “bottle” — store (liquids or gases) in bottles
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
brightadjectiveUS /braɪt/
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading It was that of a small, shrivelled old man with thin cheeks, bright eyes, and gray, wiry, projecting eyebrows.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading I at first doubted whether it were not a mummy curiously preserved, but it moved, and I saw that it was alive.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
catnounUS /kæt/
feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
chambernounUS /ˈtʃeɪmbər/
a natural or artificial enclosed space
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
cheeksnounUS /tʃiːks/
plural of “cheek” — either side of the face below the eyes
From this reading It was that of a small, shrivelled old man with thin cheeks, bright eyes, and gray, wiry, projecting eyebrows.
comeverbUS /kʌm/
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading It was another of these black-cloaked old men, and, as I regarded his quaint physiognomy, his obsolete garb, and the hideous and sinister objects by which he was surrounded, I began to persuade myself that I had come upon the arch-mage who ruled over this magical fraternity.
cornernounUS /ˈkɔːrnər/
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading I approached to regard more narrowly this mystic chamber, which seemed a fitting laboratory for a necromancer, when I was startled at beholding a human countenance staring at me from a dusky corner.
countenancenounUS /ˈkaʊntənəns/
the appearance conveyed by a person's face
From this reading I approached to regard more narrowly this mystic chamber, which seemed a fitting laboratory for a necromancer, when I was startled at beholding a human countenance staring at me from a dusky corner.
curiouslyadverbUS /ˈkjʊriəsli/
in a manner differing from the usual or expected
From this reading I at first doubted whether it were not a mummy curiously preserved, but it moved, and I saw that it was alive.
decoratedadjectiveUS /ˈdekəreɪtɪd/
provided with something intended to increase its beauty or distinction
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
doubtedverbUS /ˈdaʊtɪd/
past form of “doubt” — consider unlikely or have doubts about
From this reading I at first doubted whether it were not a mummy curiously preserved, but it moved, and I saw that it was alive.
driedadjectiveUS /draɪd/
not still wet
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
duskyadjective
lighted by or as if by twilight
From this reading I approached to regard more narrowly this mystic chamber, which seemed a fitting laboratory for a necromancer, when I was startled at beholding a human countenance staring at me from a dusky corner.
eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
eyenounUS /aɪ/
the organ of sight
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
eyebrowsnounUS /ˈaɪbraʊz/
plural of “eyebrow” — the arch of hair above each eye
From this reading It was that of a small, shrivelled old man with thin cheeks, bright eyes, and gray, wiry, projecting eyebrows.
eyesnounUS /aɪz/
opinion or judgment
From this reading It was that of a small, shrivelled old man with thin cheeks, bright eyes, and gray, wiry, projecting eyebrows.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading I at first doubted whether it were not a mummy curiously preserved, but it moved, and I saw that it was alive.
fittingadjectiveUS /ˈfɪtɪŋ/
in harmony with the spirit of particular persons or occasion
From this reading I approached to regard more narrowly this mystic chamber, which seemed a fitting laboratory for a necromancer, when I was startled at beholding a human countenance staring at me from a dusky corner.
flankedverbUS /flæŋkt/
past form of “flank” — be located at the sides of something or somebody
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading I approached to regard more narrowly this mystic chamber, which seemed a fitting laboratory for a necromancer, when I was startled at beholding a human countenance staring at me from a dusky corner.
fraternitynounUS /frəˈtɜːrnəti/
a social club for male undergraduates
From this reading It was another of these black-cloaked old men, and, as I regarded his quaint physiognomy, his obsolete garb, and the hideous and sinister objects by which he was surrounded, I began to persuade myself that I had come upon the arch-mage who ruled over this magical fraternity.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading I approached to regard more narrowly this mystic chamber, which seemed a fitting laboratory for a necromancer, when I was startled at beholding a human countenance staring at me from a dusky corner.
garbnounUS /ɡɑːrb/
clothing of a distinctive style or for a particular occasion
From this reading It was another of these black-cloaked old men, and, as I regarded his quaint physiognomy, his obsolete garb, and the hideous and sinister objects by which he was surrounded, I began to persuade myself that I had come upon the arch-mage who ruled over this magical fraternity.
glancedverbUS /ɡlænst/
past form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
graynounUS /ɡreɪ/
a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black
From this reading It was that of a small, shrivelled old man with thin cheeks, bright eyes, and gray, wiry, projecting eyebrows.
grinnedverbUS /ɡrɪnd/
inflected form of “grin” — to draw back the lips and reveal the teeth, in a smile, grimace, or snarl
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was another of these black-cloaked old men, and, as I regarded his quaint physiognomy, his obsolete garb, and the hideous and sinister objects by which he was surrounded, I began to persuade myself that I had come upon the arch-mage who ruled over this magical fraternity.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was another of these black-cloaked old men, and, as I regarded his quaint physiognomy, his obsolete garb, and the hideous and sinister objects by which he was surrounded, I began to persuade myself that I had come upon the arch-mage who ruled over this magical fraternity.
hideousadjectiveUS /ˈhɪdiəs/
grossly offensive to decency or morality; causing horror
From this reading It was another of these black-cloaked old men, and, as I regarded his quaint physiognomy, his obsolete garb, and the hideous and sinister objects by which he was surrounded, I began to persuade myself that I had come upon the arch-mage who ruled over this magical fraternity.
highadjectiveUS /haɪ/
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It was another of these black-cloaked old men, and, as I regarded his quaint physiognomy, his obsolete garb, and the hideous and sinister objects by which he was surrounded, I began to persuade myself that I had come upon the arch-mage who ruled over this magical fraternity.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
hungverbUS /hʌŋ/
inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I approached to regard more narrowly this mystic chamber, which seemed a fitting laboratory for a necromancer, when I was startled at beholding a human countenance staring at me from a dusky corner.
idolsnounUS /ˈaɪdəlz/
plural of “idol” — a material effigy that is worshipped
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
implementsnounUS /ˈɪmpləmənts/
plural of “implement” — instrumentation (a piece of equipment or tool) used to effect an end
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was that of a small, shrivelled old man with thin cheeks, bright eyes, and gray, wiry, projecting eyebrows.
kindsnounUS /kaɪndz/
plural of “kind” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
laboratorynounUS /ˈlæbrətɔːri/
a workplace for the conduct of scientific research
From this reading I approached to regard more narrowly this mystic chamber, which seemed a fitting laboratory for a necromancer, when I was startled at beholding a human countenance staring at me from a dusky corner.
magicaladjectiveUS /ˈmædʒɪkəl/
possessing or using or characteristic of or appropriate to supernatural powers
From this reading It was another of these black-cloaked old men, and, as I regarded his quaint physiognomy, his obsolete garb, and the hideous and sinister objects by which he was surrounded, I began to persuade myself that I had come upon the arch-mage who ruled over this magical fraternity.
mannounUS /mæn/
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading It was that of a small, shrivelled old man with thin cheeks, bright eyes, and gray, wiry, projecting eyebrows.
mantelpiecenoun
shelf that projects from wall above fireplace
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I approached to regard more narrowly this mystic chamber, which seemed a fitting laboratory for a necromancer, when I was startled at beholding a human countenance staring at me from a dusky corner.
mennounUS /men/
the force of workers available
From this reading It was another of these black-cloaked old men, and, as I regarded his quaint physiognomy, his obsolete garb, and the hideous and sinister objects by which he was surrounded, I began to persuade myself that I had come upon the arch-mage who ruled over this magical fraternity.
mindnounUS /maɪnd/
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
monstersnounUS /ˈmɑːnstərz/
plural of “monster” — an imaginary creature usually having various human and animal parts
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading I approached to regard more narrowly this mystic chamber, which seemed a fitting laboratory for a necromancer, when I was startled at beholding a human countenance staring at me from a dusky corner.
movedadjectiveUS /muːvd/
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading I at first doubted whether it were not a mummy curiously preserved, but it moved, and I saw that it was alive.
mummynounUS /ˈmʌmi/
informal terms for a mother
From this reading I at first doubted whether it were not a mummy curiously preserved, but it moved, and I saw that it was alive.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading It was another of these black-cloaked old men, and, as I regarded his quaint physiognomy, his obsolete garb, and the hideous and sinister objects by which he was surrounded, I began to persuade myself that I had come upon the arch-mage who ruled over this magical fraternity.
mysticadjectiveUS /ˈmɪstɪk/
having an import not apparent to the senses nor obvious to the intelligence; beyond ordinary understanding
From this reading I approached to regard more narrowly this mystic chamber, which seemed a fitting laboratory for a necromancer, when I was startled at beholding a human countenance staring at me from a dusky corner.
narrowlyadverbUS /ˈneroʊli/
in a narrow manner; not allowing for exceptions
From this reading I approached to regard more narrowly this mystic chamber, which seemed a fitting laboratory for a necromancer, when I was startled at beholding a human countenance staring at me from a dusky corner.
necromancernounUS /ˈnekrəmænsər/
one who practices magic or sorcery
From this reading I approached to regard more narrowly this mystic chamber, which seemed a fitting laboratory for a necromancer, when I was startled at beholding a human countenance staring at me from a dusky corner.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading I at first doubted whether it were not a mummy curiously preserved, but it moved, and I saw that it was alive.
objectsnounUS /ˈɑːbdʒekts/
plural of “object” — a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
obsoleteadjectiveUS /ˈɑːbsəliːt/
no longer in use
From this reading It was another of these black-cloaked old men, and, as I regarded his quaint physiognomy, his obsolete garb, and the hideous and sinister objects by which he was surrounded, I began to persuade myself that I had come upon the arch-mage who ruled over this magical fraternity.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
oldadjectiveUS /oʊld/
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading It was that of a small, shrivelled old man with thin cheeks, bright eyes, and gray, wiry, projecting eyebrows.
old-fashionedadjectiveUS /ˌoʊldˈfæʃənd/
out of fashion
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading It was another of these black-cloaked old men, and, as I regarded his quaint physiognomy, his obsolete garb, and the hideous and sinister objects by which he was surrounded, I began to persuade myself that I had come upon the arch-mage who ruled over this magical fraternity.
passingnounUS /ˈpæsɪŋ/
(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
persuadeverbUS /pərˈsweɪd/
win approval or support for
From this reading It was another of these black-cloaked old men, and, as I regarded his quaint physiognomy, his obsolete garb, and the hideous and sinister objects by which he was surrounded, I began to persuade myself that I had come upon the arch-mage who ruled over this magical fraternity.
physiognomynoun
the human face (“kisser” and “smiler” and “mug” are informal terms for “face” and “phiz” is British)
From this reading It was another of these black-cloaked old men, and, as I regarded his quaint physiognomy, his obsolete garb, and the hideous and sinister objects by which he was surrounded, I began to persuade myself that I had come upon the arch-mage who ruled over this magical fraternity.
preservedadjectiveUS /prəˈzɜːrvd/
prevented from decaying or spoiling and prepared for future use
From this reading I at first doubted whether it were not a mummy curiously preserved, but it moved, and I saw that it was alive.
projectingadjectiveUS /prəˈdʒektɪŋ/
extending out above or beyond a surface or boundary
From this reading It was that of a small, shrivelled old man with thin cheeks, bright eyes, and gray, wiry, projecting eyebrows.
quaintadjectiveUS /kweɪnt/
strange in an interesting or pleasing way
From this reading It was another of these black-cloaked old men, and, as I regarded his quaint physiognomy, his obsolete garb, and the hideous and sinister objects by which he was surrounded, I began to persuade myself that I had come upon the arch-mage who ruled over this magical fraternity.
regardnounUS /rɪˈɡɑːrd/
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading I approached to regard more narrowly this mystic chamber, which seemed a fitting laboratory for a necromancer, when I was startled at beholding a human countenance staring at me from a dusky corner.
regardedverbUS /rɪˈɡɑːrdɪd/
past form of “regard” — deem to be
From this reading It was another of these black-cloaked old men, and, as I regarded his quaint physiognomy, his obsolete garb, and the hideous and sinister objects by which he was surrounded, I began to persuade myself that I had come upon the arch-mage who ruled over this magical fraternity.
roundnounUS /raʊnd/
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
ruledadjectiveUS /ruːld/
subject to a ruling authority
From this reading It was another of these black-cloaked old men, and, as I regarded his quaint physiognomy, his obsolete garb, and the hideous and sinister objects by which he was surrounded, I began to persuade myself that I had come upon the arch-mage who ruled over this magical fraternity.
savageadjectiveUS /ˈsævədʒ/
(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
sawverbUS /sɔː/
cut with a saw
From this reading I at first doubted whether it were not a mummy curiously preserved, but it moved, and I saw that it was alive.
seemedverbUS /siːmd/
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading I approached to regard more narrowly this mystic chamber, which seemed a fitting laboratory for a necromancer, when I was startled at beholding a human countenance staring at me from a dusky corner.
serpentsnounUS /ˈsɜːrpənts/
plural of “serpent” — limbless scaly elongate reptile; some are venomous
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
shrivelledadjective
(used especially of vegetation) having lost all moisture
From this reading It was that of a small, shrivelled old man with thin cheeks, bright eyes, and gray, wiry, projecting eyebrows.
sidenounUS /saɪd/
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
sinisteradjectiveUS /ˈsɪnɪstər/
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
From this reading It was another of these black-cloaked old men, and, as I regarded his quaint physiognomy, his obsolete garb, and the hideous and sinister objects by which he was surrounded, I began to persuade myself that I had come upon the arch-mage who ruled over this magical fraternity.
skullnounUS /skʌl/
the bony skeleton of the head of vertebrates
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
smalladjectiveUS /smɔːl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It was that of a small, shrivelled old man with thin cheeks, bright eyes, and gray, wiry, projecting eyebrows.
staringadjectiveUS /ˈsterɪŋ/
(used of eyes) open and fixed as if in fear or wonder
From this reading I approached to regard more narrowly this mystic chamber, which seemed a fitting laboratory for a necromancer, when I was startled at beholding a human countenance staring at me from a dusky corner.
startledadjectiveUS /ˈstɑːrtəld/
excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement
From this reading I approached to regard more narrowly this mystic chamber, which seemed a fitting laboratory for a necromancer, when I was startled at beholding a human countenance staring at me from a dusky corner.
strangeadjectiveUS /streɪndʒ/
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
stuffedadjectiveUS /stʌft/
filled with something
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
surmisesnounUS /sərˈmaɪzɪz/
plural of “surmise” — a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
surroundedadjectiveUS /sərˈaʊndɪd/
confined on all sides
From this reading It was another of these black-cloaked old men, and, as I regarded his quaint physiognomy, his obsolete garb, and the hideous and sinister objects by which he was surrounded, I began to persuade myself that I had come upon the arch-mage who ruled over this magical fraternity.
testernounUS /ˈtestər/
someone who administers a test to determine your qualifications
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was that of a small, shrivelled old man with thin cheeks, bright eyes, and gray, wiry, projecting eyebrows.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
ThesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
thinadjectiveUS /θɪn/
Having little thickness or extent.
From this reading It was that of a small, shrivelled old man with thin cheeks, bright eyes, and gray, wiry, projecting eyebrows.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading I approached to regard more narrowly this mystic chamber, which seemed a fitting laboratory for a necromancer, when I was startled at beholding a human countenance staring at me from a dusky corner.
throughprepositionUS /θruː/
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading I approached to regard more narrowly this mystic chamber, which seemed a fitting laboratory for a necromancer, when I was startled at beholding a human countenance staring at me from a dusky corner.
uncouthadjectiveUS /ˈʌnˈkuːθ/
lacking refinement or cultivation or taste
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading It was another of these black-cloaked old men, and, as I regarded his quaint physiognomy, his obsolete garb, and the hideous and sinister objects by which he was surrounded, I began to persuade myself that I had come upon the arch-mage who ruled over this magical fraternity.
warfarenounUS /ˈwɔːrfer/
the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I approached to regard more narrowly this mystic chamber, which seemed a fitting laboratory for a necromancer, when I was startled at beholding a human countenance staring at me from a dusky corner.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading I approached to regard more narrowly this mystic chamber, which seemed a fitting laboratory for a necromancer, when I was startled at beholding a human countenance staring at me from a dusky corner.
whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading I at first doubted whether it were not a mummy curiously preserved, but it moved, and I saw that it was alive.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading I approached to regard more narrowly this mystic chamber, which seemed a fitting laboratory for a necromancer, when I was startled at beholding a human countenance staring at me from a dusky corner.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading It was another of these black-cloaked old men, and, as I regarded his quaint physiognomy, his obsolete garb, and the hideous and sinister objects by which he was surrounded, I began to persuade myself that I had come upon the arch-mage who ruled over this magical fraternity.
wiryadjectiveUS /ˈwɪri/
lean and sinewy
From this reading It was that of a small, shrivelled old man with thin cheeks, bright eyes, and gray, wiry, projecting eyebrows.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading These surmises were passing through my mind as my eye glanced into a chamber hung round with all kinds of strange and uncouth objects--implements of savage warfare, strange idols and stuffed alligators; bottled serpents and monsters decorated the mantelpiece; while on the high tester of an old-fashioned bedstead grinned a human skull, flanked on each side by a dried cat.
