Chapter V · Chapter 5

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

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

From this reading The eggs when exposed to the air were so small it seemed incredible that out of them could come the hungry little caterpillars who would spin that delicate silken filament.

in addition

From this reading "Just about, and they also are not unlike mustard in color," replied her mother, "although they will not remain so--at least we hope not."

in spite of the fact that

From this reading "Just about, and they also are not unlike mustard in color," replied her mother, "although they will not remain so--at least we hope not."

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

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

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

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

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

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

From this reading "They are about the size of mustard seed, aren't they, Mother?" remarked Marie.

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

From this reading "They are about the size of mustard seed, aren't they, Mother?" remarked Marie.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

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

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

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

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

plural of “caterpillar” — a wormlike and often brightly colored and hairy or spiny larva of a butterfly or moth

From this reading The eggs when exposed to the air were so small it seemed incredible that out of them could come the hungry little caterpillars who would spin that delicate silken filament.

a visual attribute of things that results from the light they emit or transmit or reflect

From this reading "Just about, and they also are not unlike mustard in color," replied her mother, "although they will not remain so--at least we hope not."

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading The eggs when exposed to the air were so small it seemed incredible that out of them could come the hungry little caterpillars who would spin that delicate silken filament.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

prepare a hot meal

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury

From this reading The eggs when exposed to the air were so small it seemed incredible that out of them could come the hungry little caterpillars who would spin that delicate silken filament.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

oval reproductive body of a fowl (especially a hen) used as food

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

divisible by two

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

creating or arousing excitement

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

with no protection or shield

From this reading The eggs when exposed to the air were so small it seemed incredible that out of them could come the hungry little caterpillars who would spin that delicate silken filament.

a social unit living together

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

pathetically lacking in force or effectiveness

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

a very slender natural or synthetic fiber

From this reading The eggs when exposed to the air were so small it seemed incredible that out of them could come the hungry little caterpillars who would spin that delicate silken filament.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

plural of “fire” — the event of something burning (often destructive)

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

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

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

emerged from an egg

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

past form of “help” — give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading "Just about, and they also are not unlike mustard in color," replied her mother, "although they will not remain so--at least we hope not."

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading "Just about, and they also are not unlike mustard in color," replied her mother, "although they will not remain so--at least we hope not."

feeling hunger; feeling a need or desire to eat food

From this reading The eggs when exposed to the air were so small it seemed incredible that out of them could come the hungry little caterpillars who would spin that delicate silken filament.

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

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

beyond belief or understanding

From this reading The eggs when exposed to the air were so small it seemed incredible that out of them could come the hungry little caterpillars who would spin that delicate silken filament.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The eggs when exposed to the air were so small it seemed incredible that out of them could come the hungry little caterpillars who would spin that delicate silken filament.

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

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

and nothing more

From this reading "Just about, and they also are not unlike mustard in color," replied her mother, "although they will not remain so--at least we hope not."

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading "Just about, and they also are not unlike mustard in color," replied her mother, "although they will not remain so--at least we hope not."

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

From this reading The eggs when exposed to the air were so small it seemed incredible that out of them could come the hungry little caterpillars who would spin that delicate silken filament.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

title used for a married Frenchwoman

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

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

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

plural of “meal” — the food served and eaten at one time

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

plural of “moment” — a particular point in time

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

used as a French courtesy title; equivalent to English “Mr”

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading "They are about the size of mustard seed, aren't they, Mother?" remarked Marie.

any of several cruciferous plants of the genus Brassica

From this reading "They are about the size of mustard seed, aren't they, Mother?" remarked Marie.

absolutely essential

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

not any; not one

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

plural of “occupant” — someone who lives at a particular place for a prolonged period or who was born there

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The eggs when exposed to the air were so small it seemed incredible that out of them could come the hungry little caterpillars who would spin that delicate silken filament.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

and nothing more

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The eggs when exposed to the air were so small it seemed incredible that out of them could come the hungry little caterpillars who would spin that delicate silken filament.

capital of the state of South Dakota; located in central South Dakota on the Missouri river

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

participate in games or sport

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

the state of having been made ready or prepared for use or action (especially military action)

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading "Just about, and they also are not unlike mustard in color," replied her mother, "although they will not remain so--at least we hope not."

past form of “remark” — make mention of

From this reading "They are about the size of mustard seed, aren't they, Mother?" remarked Marie.

inflected form of “reply” — react verbally

From this reading "Just about, and they also are not unlike mustard in color," replied her mother, "although they will not remain so--at least we hope not."

apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

only a very short time before

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

a small hard fruit

From this reading "They are about the size of mustard seed, aren't they, Mother?" remarked Marie.

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

From this reading The eggs when exposed to the air were so small it seemed incredible that out of them could come the hungry little caterpillars who would spin that delicate silken filament.

a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

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

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

having a smooth, gleaming surface reflecting light

From this reading The eggs when exposed to the air were so small it seemed incredible that out of them could come the hungry little caterpillars who would spin that delicate silken filament.

plural of “silkworm” — the commercially bred hairless white caterpillar of the domestic silkworm moth which spins a cocoon that can be processed to yield silk fiber; the principal source of commercial silk

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)

From this reading "They are about the size of mustard seed, aren't they, Mother?" remarked Marie.

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

From this reading The eggs when exposed to the air were so small it seemed incredible that out of them could come the hungry little caterpillars who would spin that delicate silken filament.

to grasp hastily or eagerly

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The eggs when exposed to the air were so small it seemed incredible that out of them could come the hungry little caterpillars who would spin that delicate silken filament.

revolve quickly and repeatedly around one's own axis

From this reading The eggs when exposed to the air were so small it seemed incredible that out of them could come the hungry little caterpillars who would spin that delicate silken filament.

past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

the degree of hotness or coldness of a body or environment (corresponding to its molecular activity)

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

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

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The eggs when exposed to the air were so small it seemed incredible that out of them could come the hungry little caterpillars who would spin that delicate silken filament.

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

From this reading "They are about the size of mustard seed, aren't they, Mother?" remarked Marie.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

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

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

marked by dissimilarity

From this reading "Just about, and they also are not unlike mustard in color," replied her mother, "although they will not remain so--at least we hope not."

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading "Just about, and they also are not unlike mustard in color," replied her mother, "although they will not remain so--at least we hope not."

plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

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

From this reading THE SILKWORMS The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to cook the meals.

at the time that

From this reading The eggs when exposed to the air were so small it seemed incredible that out of them could come the hungry little caterpillars who would spin that delicate silken filament.

in or at the place that

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

which person or people

From this reading Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their coming occupants.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading "Just about, and they also are not unlike mustard in color," replied her mother, "although they will not remain so--at least we hope not."

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading The eggs when exposed to the air were so small it seemed incredible that out of them could come the hungry little caterpillars who would spin that delicate silken filament.