Chapter VIII · In the Alchemist’s Loft

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

From this reading There was an evening a week or more later, however, when the incident recurred to him.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The night was fine and he peered contentedly about over the star-lit roofs, the red chimneys, and the black walls.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading Joseph found himself too sleepy when he was inside his tiny bedroom to give any further attention either to the flashes of light from the loft above or to the mysterious grumblings of Stas.

having companions or an escort

From this reading He had accompanied his father as was his custom to the tower, and, returning early, had paused for a moment on the landing outside his door before entering the house.

(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 And the beginning of his studies at the Collegium Minus on the following day, drove, for the time being, all matters of lesser importance from his mind.

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

From this reading There was an evening a week or more later, however, when the incident recurred to him.

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

From this reading And the beginning of his studies at the Collegium Minus on the following day, drove, for the time being, all matters of lesser importance from his mind.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Joseph found himself too sleepy when he was inside his tiny bedroom to give any further attention either to the flashes of light from the loft above or to the mysterious grumblings of Stas.

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

From this reading He had accompanied his father as was his custom to the tower, and, returning early, had paused for a moment on the landing outside his door before entering the house.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading And the beginning of his studies at the Collegium Minus on the following day, drove, for the time being, all matters of lesser importance from his mind.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading Joseph found himself too sleepy when he was inside his tiny bedroom to give any further attention either to the flashes of light from the loft above or to the mysterious grumblings of Stas.

a room used primarily for sleeping

From this reading Joseph found himself too sleepy when he was inside his tiny bedroom to give any further attention either to the flashes of light from the loft above or to the mysterious grumblings of Stas.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading He had accompanied his father as was his custom to the tower, and, returning early, had paused for a moment on the landing outside his door before entering the house.

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading And the beginning of his studies at the Collegium Minus on the following day, drove, for the time being, all matters of lesser importance from his mind.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading And the beginning of his studies at the Collegium Minus on the following day, drove, for the time being, all matters of lesser importance from his mind.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading The night was fine and he peered contentedly about over the star-lit roofs, the red chimneys, and the black walls.

plural of “chimney” — a vertical flue that provides a path through which smoke from a fire is carried away through the wall or roof of a building

From this reading The night was fine and he peered contentedly about over the star-lit roofs, the red chimneys, and the black walls.

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

From this reading And the beginning of his studies at the Collegium Minus on the following day, drove, for the time being, all matters of lesser importance from his mind.

with equanimity

From this reading The night was fine and he peered contentedly about over the star-lit roofs, the red chimneys, and the black walls.

accepted or habitual practice

From this reading He had accompanied his father as was his custom to the tower, and, returning early, had paused for a moment on the landing outside his door before entering the house.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading And the beginning of his studies at the Collegium Minus on the following day, drove, for the time being, all matters of lesser importance from his mind.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading He had accompanied his father as was his custom to the tower, and, returning early, had paused for a moment on the landing outside his door before entering the house.

a group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together

From this reading And the beginning of his studies at the Collegium Minus on the following day, drove, for the time being, all matters of lesser importance from his mind.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading He had accompanied his father as was his custom to the tower, and, returning early, had paused for a moment on the landing outside his door before entering the house.

one or the other of two

From this reading Joseph found himself too sleepy when he was inside his tiny bedroom to give any further attention either to the flashes of light from the loft above or to the mysterious grumblings of Stas.

a movement into or inward

From this reading He had accompanied his father as was his custom to the tower, and, returning early, had paused for a moment on the landing outside his door before entering the house.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading There was an evening a week or more later, however, when the incident recurred to him.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading He had accompanied his father as was his custom to the tower, and, returning early, had paused for a moment on the landing outside his door before entering the house.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading The night was fine and he peered contentedly about over the star-lit roofs, the red chimneys, and the black walls.

plural of “flash” — a sudden intense burst of radiant energy

From this reading Joseph found himself too sleepy when he was inside his tiny bedroom to give any further attention either to the flashes of light from the loft above or to the mysterious grumblings of Stas.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading And the beginning of his studies at the Collegium Minus on the following day, drove, for the time being, all matters of lesser importance from his mind.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading And the beginning of his studies at the Collegium Minus on the following day, drove, for the time being, all matters of lesser importance from his mind.

set up or found

From this reading Joseph found himself too sleepy when he was inside his tiny bedroom to give any further attention either to the flashes of light from the loft above or to the mysterious grumblings of Stas.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Joseph found himself too sleepy when he was inside his tiny bedroom to give any further attention either to the flashes of light from the loft above or to the mysterious grumblings of Stas.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading Joseph found himself too sleepy when he was inside his tiny bedroom to give any further attention either to the flashes of light from the loft above or to the mysterious grumblings of Stas.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Joseph found himself too sleepy when he was inside his tiny bedroom to give any further attention either to the flashes of light from the loft above or to the mysterious grumblings of Stas.

plural of “grumbling” — a loud low dull continuous noise

From this reading Joseph found himself too sleepy when he was inside his tiny bedroom to give any further attention either to the flashes of light from the loft above or to the mysterious grumblings of Stas.

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

From this reading He had accompanied his father as was his custom to the tower, and, returning early, had paused for a moment on the landing outside his door before entering the house.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Joseph found himself too sleepy when he was inside his tiny bedroom to give any further attention either to the flashes of light from the loft above or to the mysterious grumblings of Stas.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading There was an evening a week or more later, however, when the incident recurred to him.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Joseph found himself too sleepy when he was inside his tiny bedroom to give any further attention either to the flashes of light from the loft above or to the mysterious grumblings of Stas.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Joseph found himself too sleepy when he was inside his tiny bedroom to give any further attention either to the flashes of light from the loft above or to the mysterious grumblings of Stas.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading He had accompanied his father as was his custom to the tower, and, returning early, had paused for a moment on the landing outside his door before entering the house.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading There was an evening a week or more later, however, when the incident recurred to him.

the quality of being important and worthy of note

From this reading And the beginning of his studies at the Collegium Minus on the following day, drove, for the time being, all matters of lesser importance from his mind.

a single distinct event

From this reading There was an evening a week or more later, however, when the incident recurred to him.

relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space

From this reading Joseph found himself too sleepy when he was inside his tiny bedroom to give any further attention either to the flashes of light from the loft above or to the mysterious grumblings of Stas.

leader of the Nez Perce in their retreat from United States troops (1840-1904)

From this reading Joseph found himself too sleepy when he was inside his tiny bedroom to give any further attention either to the flashes of light from the loft above or to the mysterious grumblings of Stas.

an intermediate platform in a staircase

From this reading He had accompanied his father as was his custom to the tower, and, returning early, had paused for a moment on the landing outside his door before entering the house.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading There was an evening a week or more later, however, when the incident recurred to him.

of less size or importance

From this reading And the beginning of his studies at the Collegium Minus on the following day, drove, for the time being, all matters of lesser importance from his mind.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading Joseph found himself too sleepy when he was inside his tiny bedroom to give any further attention either to the flashes of light from the loft above or to the mysterious grumblings of Stas.

floor consisting of a large unpartitioned space over a factory or warehouse or other commercial space

From this reading Joseph found himself too sleepy when he was inside his tiny bedroom to give any further attention either to the flashes of light from the loft above or to the mysterious grumblings of Stas.

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading And the beginning of his studies at the Collegium Minus on the following day, drove, for the time being, all matters of lesser importance from his mind.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading And the beginning of his studies at the Collegium Minus on the following day, drove, for the time being, all matters of lesser importance from his mind.

on the negative side or lower end of a scale

From this reading And the beginning of his studies at the Collegium Minus on the following day, drove, for the time being, all matters of lesser importance from his mind.

a particular point in time

From this reading He had accompanied his father as was his custom to the tower, and, returning early, had paused for a moment on the landing outside his door before entering the house.

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

From this reading There was an evening a week or more later, however, when the incident recurred to him.

of an obscure nature

From this reading Joseph found himself too sleepy when he was inside his tiny bedroom to give any further attention either to the flashes of light from the loft above or to the mysterious grumblings of Stas.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading The night was fine and he peered contentedly about over the star-lit roofs, the red chimneys, and the black walls.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Joseph found himself too sleepy when he was inside his tiny bedroom to give any further attention either to the flashes of light from the loft above or to the mysterious grumblings of Stas.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading And the beginning of his studies at the Collegium Minus on the following day, drove, for the time being, all matters of lesser importance from his mind.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Joseph found himself too sleepy when he was inside his tiny bedroom to give any further attention either to the flashes of light from the loft above or to the mysterious grumblings of Stas.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading He had accompanied his father as was his custom to the tower, and, returning early, had paused for a moment on the landing outside his door before entering the house.

above and across; more than

From this reading The night was fine and he peered contentedly about over the star-lit roofs, the red chimneys, and the black walls.

past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing

From this reading He had accompanied his father as was his custom to the tower, and, returning early, had paused for a moment on the landing outside his door before entering the house.

past form of “peer” — look searchingly

From this reading The night was fine and he peered contentedly about over the star-lit roofs, the red chimneys, and the black walls.

inflected form of “recur” — happen or occur again

From this reading There was an evening a week or more later, however, when the incident recurred to him.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading The night was fine and he peered contentedly about over the star-lit roofs, the red chimneys, and the black walls.

tending to return to an earlier state

From this reading He had accompanied his father as was his custom to the tower, and, returning early, had paused for a moment on the landing outside his door before entering the house.

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

From this reading The night was fine and he peered contentedly about over the star-lit roofs, the red chimneys, and the black walls.

ready to fall asleep

From this reading Joseph found himself too sleepy when he was inside his tiny bedroom to give any further attention either to the flashes of light from the loft above or to the mysterious grumblings of Stas.

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

From this reading The night was fine and he peered contentedly about over the star-lit roofs, the red chimneys, and the black walls.

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

From this reading Joseph found himself too sleepy when he was inside his tiny bedroom to give any further attention either to the flashes of light from the loft above or to the mysterious grumblings of Stas.

plural of “study” — a detailed critical inspection

From this reading And the beginning of his studies at the Collegium Minus on the following day, drove, for the time being, all matters of lesser importance from his mind.

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

From this reading Joseph found himself too sleepy when he was inside his tiny bedroom to give any further attention either to the flashes of light from the loft above or to the mysterious grumblings of Stas.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was an evening a week or more later, however, when the incident recurred to him.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading And the beginning of his studies at the Collegium Minus on the following day, drove, for the time being, all matters of lesser importance from his mind.

very small

From this reading Joseph found himself too sleepy when he was inside his tiny bedroom to give any further attention either to the flashes of light from the loft above or to the mysterious grumblings of Stas.

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

From this reading Joseph found himself too sleepy when he was inside his tiny bedroom to give any further attention either to the flashes of light from the loft above or to the mysterious grumblings of Stas.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Joseph found himself too sleepy when he was inside his tiny bedroom to give any further attention either to the flashes of light from the loft above or to the mysterious grumblings of Stas.

a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building

From this reading He had accompanied his father as was his custom to the tower, and, returning early, had paused for a moment on the landing outside his door before entering the house.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading The night was fine and he peered contentedly about over the star-lit roofs, the red chimneys, and the black walls.

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

From this reading Joseph found himself too sleepy when he was inside his tiny bedroom to give any further attention either to the flashes of light from the loft above or to the mysterious grumblings of Stas.

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading There was an evening a week or more later, however, when the incident recurred to him.

at the time that

From this reading Joseph found himself too sleepy when he was inside his tiny bedroom to give any further attention either to the flashes of light from the loft above or to the mysterious grumblings of Stas.