Chapter XXII

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

From this reading A street turned oil at right angles, descending, and became a dirt road.

in addition

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

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

From this reading A street turned oil at right angles, descending, and became a dirt road.

plural of “angle” — the space between two lines or planes that intersect; the inclination of one line to another; measured in degrees or radians

From this reading A street turned oil at right angles, descending, and became a dirt road.

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

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A street turned oil at right angles, descending, and became a dirt road.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading A street turned oil at right angles, descending, and became a dirt road.

plural of “brick” — rectangular block of clay baked by the sun or in a kiln; used as a building or paving material

From this reading They were set in small grassless plots littered with broken things, bricks, planks, crockery, things of a once utilitarian value.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading On either hand the land dropped more sharply; a broad flat dotted with small cabins whose weathered roofs were on a level with the crown of the road.

physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split

From this reading They were set in small grassless plots littered with broken things, bricks, planks, crockery, things of a once utilitarian value.

-ing form of “burgeon” — grow and flourish

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

plural of “cabin” — small room on a ship or boat where people sleep

From this reading On either hand the land dropped more sharply; a broad flat dotted with small cabins whose weathered roofs were on a level with the crown of the road.

past form of “consist” — originate

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

tableware (eating and serving dishes) collectively

From this reading They were set in small grassless plots littered with broken things, bricks, planks, crockery, things of a once utilitarian value.

the Crown (or the reigning monarch) as the symbol of the power and authority of a monarchy

From this reading On either hand the land dropped more sharply; a broad flat dotted with small cabins whose weathered roofs were on a level with the crown of the road.

coming down or downward

From this reading A street turned oil at right angles, descending, and became a dirt road.

dryness resulting from the removal of water

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

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

From this reading From the doors negroes spoke to them as they passed, to Dilsey usually:

the part of the earth's surface consisting of humus and disintegrated rock

From this reading A street turned oil at right angles, descending, and became a dirt road.

plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading From the doors negroes spoke to them as they passed, to Dilsey usually:

having a pattern of dots

From this reading On either hand the land dropped more sharply; a broad flat dotted with small cabins whose weathered roofs were on a level with the crown of the road.

inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground

From this reading On either hand the land dropped more sharply; a broad flat dotted with small cabins whose weathered roofs were on a level with the crown of the road.

one or the other of two

From this reading On either hand the land dropped more sharply; a broad flat dotted with small cabins whose weathered roofs were on a level with the crown of the road.

divisible by two

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

provide as food

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another

From this reading On either hand the land dropped more sharply; a broad flat dotted with small cabins whose weathered roofs were on a level with the crown of the road.

highly offensive; arousing aversion or disgust

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading From the doors negroes spoke to them as they passed, to Dilsey usually:

lacking grass

From this reading They were set in small grassless plots littered with broken things, bricks, planks, crockery, things of a once utilitarian value.

inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading On either hand the land dropped more sharply; a broad flat dotted with small cabins whose weathered roofs were on a level with the crown of the road.

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

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

From this reading They were set in small grassless plots littered with broken things, bricks, planks, crockery, things of a once utilitarian value.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading On either hand the land dropped more sharply; a broad flat dotted with small cabins whose weathered roofs were on a level with the crown of the road.

the act of departing

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading On either hand the land dropped more sharply; a broad flat dotted with small cabins whose weathered roofs were on a level with the crown of the road.

filled or scattered with a disorderly accumulation of objects or rubbish

From this reading They were set in small grassless plots littered with broken things, bricks, planks, crockery, things of a once utilitarian value.

plural of “locust” — migratory grasshoppers of warm regions having short antennae

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading On either hand the land dropped more sharply; a broad flat dotted with small cabins whose weathered roofs were on a level with the crown of the road.

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

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

plural of “negro” — a person with African ancestry, "Negro" and "Negroid" are archaic and pejorative today

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading On either hand the land dropped more sharply; a broad flat dotted with small cabins whose weathered roofs were on a level with the crown of the road.

A viscous liquid derived from petroleum or plants, stored in large earthen jars.

From this reading A street turned oil at right angles, descending, and became a dirt road.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On either hand the land dropped more sharply; a broad flat dotted with small cabins whose weathered roofs were on a level with the crown of the road.

on one occasion

From this reading They were set in small grassless plots littered with broken things, bricks, planks, crockery, things of a once utilitarian value.

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

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

plural of “plank” — a stout length of sawn timber; made in a wide variety of sizes and used for many purposes

From this reading They were set in small grassless plots littered with broken things, bricks, planks, crockery, things of a once utilitarian value.

plural of “plot” — a secret scheme to do something (especially something underhand or illegal)

From this reading They were set in small grassless plots littered with broken things, bricks, planks, crockery, things of a once utilitarian value.

a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

a small part or portion that remains after the main part no longer exists

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

possessing material wealth

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

precisely, exactly

From this reading A street turned oil at right angles, descending, and became a dirt road.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading A street turned oil at right angles, descending, and became a dirt road.

plural of “roof” — a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building

From this reading On either hand the land dropped more sharply; a broad flat dotted with small cabins whose weathered roofs were on a level with the crown of the road.

experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

the month following August and preceding October

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading They were set in small grassless plots littered with broken things, bricks, planks, crockery, things of a once utilitarian value.

in an aggressive manner

From this reading On either hand the land dropped more sharply; a broad flat dotted with small cabins whose weathered roofs were on a level with the crown of the road.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading On either hand the land dropped more sharply; a broad flat dotted with small cabins whose weathered roofs were on a level with the crown of the road.

the sensation that results when olfactory receptors in the nose are stimulated by particular chemicals in gaseous form

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim

From this reading From the doors negroes spoke to them as they passed, to Dilsey usually:

the season of growth

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading A street turned oil at right angles, descending, and became a dirt road.

tenaciously unwilling or marked by tenacious unwillingness to yield

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

confined on all sides

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

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

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

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

From this reading On either hand the land dropped more sharply; a broad flat dotted with small cabins whose weathered roofs were on a level with the crown of the road.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

in or at that place or location

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading They were set in small grassless plots littered with broken things, bricks, planks, crockery, things of a once utilitarian value.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading They were set in small grassless plots littered with broken things, bricks, planks, crockery, things of a once utilitarian value.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading A street turned oil at right angles, descending, and became a dirt road.

clearly evident to the mind

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

under normal conditions

From this reading From the doors negroes spoke to them as they passed, to Dilsey usually:

having a useful function

From this reading They were set in small grassless plots littered with broken things, bricks, planks, crockery, things of a once utilitarian value.

a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed

From this reading They were set in small grassless plots littered with broken things, bricks, planks, crockery, things of a once utilitarian value.

precisely as stated

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

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

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

worn by exposure to the weather

From this reading On either hand the land dropped more sharply; a broad flat dotted with small cabins whose weathered roofs were on a level with the crown of the road.

a black garment (dress) worn by a widow as a sign of mourning

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

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

From this reading On either hand the land dropped more sharply; a broad flat dotted with small cabins whose weathered roofs were on a level with the crown of the road.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading What growth there was consisted of rank weeds and the trees were mulberries and locusts and sycamores—trees that partook also of the foul desiccation which surrounded the houses; trees whose very burgeoning seemed to be the sad and stubborn remnant of September, as if even spring had passed them by, leaving them to feed upon the rich and unmistakable smell of negroes in which they grew.

belonging to which person

From this reading On either hand the land dropped more sharply; a broad flat dotted with small cabins whose weathered roofs were on a level with the crown of the road.

in the company of; together with

From this reading On either hand the land dropped more sharply; a broad flat dotted with small cabins whose weathered roofs were on a level with the crown of the road.