Chapter VII · Chapter 7

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

From this reading They also separated the cocoons that were of different colors, for among the lot were not only white ones but many that were yellow, and even some of a greenish tint.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

in addition

From this reading They also separated the cocoons that were of different colors, for among the lot were not only white ones but many that were yellow, and even some of a greenish tint.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading They also separated the cocoons that were of different colors, for among the lot were not only white ones but many that were yellow, and even some of a greenish tint.

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

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading Before the silk was reeled off the cocoons would, of course, go through another and more thorough classification under the hands of the experts at the filature, as the reeling factory was called.

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

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Before the silk was reeled off the cocoons would, of course, go through another and more thorough classification under the hands of the experts at the filature, as the reeling factory was called.

plural of “basket” — a container that is usually woven and has handles

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

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

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Before the silk was reeled off the cocoons would, of course, go through another and more thorough classification under the hands of the experts at the filature, as the reeling factory was called.

elegance by virtue of fineness of manner and expression

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

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

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading They also separated the cocoons that were of different colors, for among the lot were not only white ones but many that were yellow, and even some of a greenish tint.

plural of “buyer” — a person who buys

From this reading But even this first rough grouping was a help to the buyers.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Before the silk was reeled off the cocoons would, of course, go through another and more thorough classification under the hands of the experts at the filature, as the reeling factory was called.

the act of distributing things into classes or categories of the same type

From this reading Before the silk was reeled off the cocoons would, of course, go through another and more thorough classification under the hands of the experts at the filature, as the reeling factory was called.

plural of “cocoon” — silky envelope spun by the larvae of many insects to protect pupas and by spiders to protect eggs

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

the act of gathering something together

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

a flag that shows its nationality

From this reading They also separated the cocoons that were of different colors, for among the lot were not only white ones but many that were yellow, and even some of a greenish tint.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Before the silk was reeled off the cocoons would, of course, go through another and more thorough classification under the hands of the experts at the filature, as the reeling factory was called.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading They also separated the cocoons that were of different colors, for among the lot were not only white ones but many that were yellow, and even some of a greenish tint.

increase twofold

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

divisible by two

From this reading They also separated the cocoons that were of different colors, for among the lot were not only white ones but many that were yellow, and even some of a greenish tint.

plural of “expert” — a person with special knowledge or ability who performs skillfully

From this reading Before the silk was reeled off the cocoons would, of course, go through another and more thorough classification under the hands of the experts at the filature, as the reeling factory was called.

past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible

From this reading This varied, Josef explained, with the different species of silkworms.

a plant consisting of one or more buildings with facilities for manufacturing

From this reading Before the silk was reeled off the cocoons would, of course, go through another and more thorough classification under the hands of the experts at the filature, as the reeling factory was called.

a social unit living together

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

a bobbin used in spinning silk into thread

From this reading Before the silk was reeled off the cocoons would, of course, go through another and more thorough classification under the hands of the experts at the filature, as the reeling factory was called.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading But even this first rough grouping was a help to the buyers.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

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

From this reading Before the silk was reeled off the cocoons would, of course, go through another and more thorough classification under the hands of the experts at the filature, as the reeling factory was called.

of the color between blue and yellow in the color spectrum; similar to the color of fresh grass

From this reading They also separated the cocoons that were of different colors, for among the lot were not only white ones but many that were yellow, and even some of a greenish tint.

any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading Before the silk was reeled off the cocoons would, of course, go through another and more thorough classification under the hands of the experts at the filature, as the reeling factory was called.

the yield from plants in a single growing season

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading But even this first rough grouping was a help to the buyers.

not perfect; defective or inadequate

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

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

From this reading This varied, Josef explained, with the different species of silkworms.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent

From this reading They also separated the cocoons that were of different colors, for among the lot were not only white ones but many that were yellow, and even some of a greenish tint.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading They also separated the cocoons that were of different colors, for among the lot were not only white ones but many that were yellow, and even some of a greenish tint.

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

From this reading Before the silk was reeled off the cocoons would, of course, go through another and more thorough classification under the hands of the experts at the filature, as the reeling factory was called.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading They also separated the cocoons that were of different colors, for among the lot were not only white ones but many that were yellow, and even some of a greenish tint.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading They also separated the cocoons that were of different colors, for among the lot were not only white ones but many that were yellow, and even some of a greenish tint.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Before the silk was reeled off the cocoons would, of course, go through another and more thorough classification under the hands of the experts at the filature, as the reeling factory was called.

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

From this reading They also separated the cocoons that were of different colors, for among the lot were not only white ones but many that were yellow, and even some of a greenish tint.

and nothing more

From this reading They also separated the cocoons that were of different colors, for among the lot were not only white ones but many that were yellow, and even some of a greenish tint.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

past form of “reel” — walk as if unable to control one's movements

From this reading Before the silk was reeled off the cocoons would, of course, go through another and more thorough classification under the hands of the experts at the filature, as the reeling factory was called.

-ing form of “reel” — walk as if unable to control one's movements

From this reading Before the silk was reeled off the cocoons would, of course, go through another and more thorough classification under the hands of the experts at the filature, as the reeling factory was called.

having or caused by an irregular surface

From this reading But even this first rough grouping was a help to the buyers.

being or feeling set or kept apart from others

From this reading They also separated the cocoons that were of different colors, for among the lot were not only white ones but many that were yellow, and even some of a greenish tint.

a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

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 This varied, Josef explained, with the different species of silkworms.

soiled or likely to soil with dirt or grime

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading They also separated the cocoons that were of different colors, for among the lot were not only white ones but many that were yellow, and even some of a greenish tint.

an operation that segregates items into groups according to a specified criterion

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

(biology) taxonomic group whose members can interbreed

From this reading This varied, Josef explained, with the different species of silkworms.

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

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

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

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

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading This varied, Josef explained, with the different species of silkworms.

painstakingly careful and accurate

From this reading Before the silk was reeled off the cocoons would, of course, go through another and more thorough classification under the hands of the experts at the filature, as the reeling factory was called.

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

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Before the silk was reeled off the cocoons would, of course, go through another and more thorough classification under the hands of the experts at the filature, as the reeling factory was called.

a quality of a given color that differs slightly from another color

From this reading They also separated the cocoons that were of different colors, for among the lot were not only white ones but many that were yellow, and even some of a greenish tint.

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

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Before the silk was reeled off the cocoons would, of course, go through another and more thorough classification under the hands of the experts at the filature, as the reeling factory was called.

characterized by variety

From this reading This varied, Josef explained, with the different species of silkworms.

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

From this reading Before the silk was reeled off the cocoons would, of course, go through another and more thorough classification under the hands of the experts at the filature, as the reeling factory was called.

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

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

From this reading THE SILK HARVEST The Bretton family spent the next week collecting and sorting their cocoons into baskets, grouping together as well as they were able those that were to be kept for breeding; those that were soiled or imperfect; and those that were double.

a Caucasian

From this reading They also separated the cocoons that were of different colors, for among the lot were not only white ones but many that were yellow, and even some of a greenish tint.

in the company of; together with

From this reading This varied, Josef explained, with the different species of silkworms.

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

From this reading Before the silk was reeled off the cocoons would, of course, go through another and more thorough classification under the hands of the experts at the filature, as the reeling factory was called.

of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk

From this reading They also separated the cocoons that were of different colors, for among the lot were not only white ones but many that were yellow, and even some of a greenish tint.