used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading _Hearts Count More Than Diamonds_ About ten days after that notable Armistice Day, Lord Peter Wimsey was sitting in his library, reading a rare fourteenth century manuscript of Justinian.
AboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading _Hearts Count More Than Diamonds_ About ten days after that notable Armistice Day, Lord Peter Wimsey was sitting in his library, reading a rare fourteenth century manuscript of Justinian.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading _Hearts Count More Than Diamonds_ About ten days after that notable Armistice Day, Lord Peter Wimsey was sitting in his library, reading a rare fourteenth century manuscript of Justinian.
after-taste
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From time to time he stimulated his interest with a few sips, pursing his lips thoughtfully, and slowly savoring the balmy after-taste.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading It gave him particular pleasure, being embellished with a large number of drawings in sepia, extremely delicate in workmanship, and not always equally so in subject.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A ring at the front door of the flat caused him to exclaim "Oh, hell!" and cock an attentive ear for the intruder's voice.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It gave him particular pleasure, being embellished with a large number of drawings in sepia, extremely delicate in workmanship, and not always equally so in subject.
ArmisticenounUS /ˈɑːrməstəs/
a state of peace agreed to between opponents so they can discuss peace terms
From this reading _Hearts Count More Than Diamonds_ About ten days after that notable Armistice Day, Lord Peter Wimsey was sitting in his library, reading a rare fourteenth century manuscript of Justinian.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A ring at the front door of the flat caused him to exclaim "Oh, hell!" and cock an attentive ear for the intruder's voice.
attentiveadjectiveUS /əˈtentɪv/
(often followed by “to”) giving care or attention
From this reading A ring at the front door of the flat caused him to exclaim "Oh, hell!" and cock an attentive ear for the intruder's voice.
balmyadjectiveUS /ˈbɑːmi/
informal or slang terms for mentally irregular
From this reading From time to time he stimulated his interest with a few sips, pursing his lips thoughtfully, and slowly savoring the balmy after-taste.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading It gave him particular pleasure, being embellished with a large number of drawings in sepia, extremely delicate in workmanship, and not always equally so in subject.
next to; at the side of
From this reading Beside him on a convenient table stood a long-necked decanter of priceless old port.
past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
From this reading A ring at the front door of the flat caused him to exclaim "Oh, hell!" and cock an attentive ear for the intruder's voice.
a period of 100 years
From this reading _Hearts Count More Than Diamonds_ About ten days after that notable Armistice Day, Lord Peter Wimsey was sitting in his library, reading a rare fourteenth century manuscript of Justinian.
cockverbUS /kɑːk/
tilt or slant to one side
From this reading A ring at the front door of the flat caused him to exclaim "Oh, hell!" and cock an attentive ear for the intruder's voice.
convenientadjectiveUS /kənˈviːnjənt/
suited to your comfort or purpose or needs
From this reading Beside him on a convenient table stood a long-necked decanter of priceless old port.
determine the number or amount of
From this reading _Hearts Count More Than Diamonds_ About ten days after that notable Armistice Day, Lord Peter Wimsey was sitting in his library, reading a rare fourteenth century manuscript of Justinian.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading _Hearts Count More Than Diamonds_ About ten days after that notable Armistice Day, Lord Peter Wimsey was sitting in his library, reading a rare fourteenth century manuscript of Justinian.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading _Hearts Count More Than Diamonds_ About ten days after that notable Armistice Day, Lord Peter Wimsey was sitting in his library, reading a rare fourteenth century manuscript of Justinian.
decanternoun
a bottle with a stopper; for serving wine or water
From this reading Beside him on a convenient table stood a long-necked decanter of priceless old port.
exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury
From this reading It gave him particular pleasure, being embellished with a large number of drawings in sepia, extremely delicate in workmanship, and not always equally so in subject.
DiamondsnounUS /ˈdaɪməndz/
plural of “diamond” — a transparent piece of diamond that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
From this reading _Hearts Count More Than Diamonds_ About ten days after that notable Armistice Day, Lord Peter Wimsey was sitting in his library, reading a rare fourteenth century manuscript of Justinian.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading A ring at the front door of the flat caused him to exclaim "Oh, hell!" and cock an attentive ear for the intruder's voice.
drawingsnounUS /ˈdrɔːɪŋz/
plural of “drawing” — an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper
From this reading It gave him particular pleasure, being embellished with a large number of drawings in sepia, extremely delicate in workmanship, and not always equally so in subject.
the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
From this reading A ring at the front door of the flat caused him to exclaim "Oh, hell!" and cock an attentive ear for the intruder's voice.
embellishedverbUS /emˈbelɪʃt/
past form of “embellish” — add details to
From this reading It gave him particular pleasure, being embellished with a large number of drawings in sepia, extremely delicate in workmanship, and not always equally so in subject.
to the same degree (often followed by “as”)
From this reading It gave him particular pleasure, being embellished with a large number of drawings in sepia, extremely delicate in workmanship, and not always equally so in subject.
exclaimverbUS /ɪkˈskleɪm/
utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy
From this reading A ring at the front door of the flat caused him to exclaim "Oh, hell!" and cock an attentive ear for the intruder's voice.
to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect
From this reading It gave him particular pleasure, being embellished with a large number of drawings in sepia, extremely delicate in workmanship, and not always equally so in subject.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading From time to time he stimulated his interest with a few sips, pursing his lips thoughtfully, and slowly savoring the balmy after-taste.
having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another
From this reading A ring at the front door of the flat caused him to exclaim "Oh, hell!" and cock an attentive ear for the intruder's voice.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A ring at the front door of the flat caused him to exclaim "Oh, hell!" and cock an attentive ear for the intruder's voice.
fourteenthadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrˈtiːnθ/
coming next after the thirteenth in position
From this reading _Hearts Count More Than Diamonds_ About ten days after that notable Armistice Day, Lord Peter Wimsey was sitting in his library, reading a rare fourteenth century manuscript of Justinian.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading From time to time he stimulated his interest with a few sips, pursing his lips thoughtfully, and slowly savoring the balmy after-taste.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading A ring at the front door of the flat caused him to exclaim "Oh, hell!" and cock an attentive ear for the intruder's voice.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading It gave him particular pleasure, being embellished with a large number of drawings in sepia, extremely delicate in workmanship, and not always equally so in subject.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading From time to time he stimulated his interest with a few sips, pursing his lips thoughtfully, and slowly savoring the balmy after-taste.
a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades
From this reading _Hearts Count More Than Diamonds_ About ten days after that notable Armistice Day, Lord Peter Wimsey was sitting in his library, reading a rare fourteenth century manuscript of Justinian.
any place of pain and turmoil
From this reading A ring at the front door of the flat caused him to exclaim "Oh, hell!" and cock an attentive ear for the intruder's voice.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It gave him particular pleasure, being embellished with a large number of drawings in sepia, extremely delicate in workmanship, and not always equally so in subject.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading _Hearts Count More Than Diamonds_ About ten days after that notable Armistice Day, Lord Peter Wimsey was sitting in his library, reading a rare fourteenth century manuscript of Justinian.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading _Hearts Count More Than Diamonds_ About ten days after that notable Armistice Day, Lord Peter Wimsey was sitting in his library, reading a rare fourteenth century manuscript of Justinian.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading From time to time he stimulated his interest with a few sips, pursing his lips thoughtfully, and slowly savoring the balmy after-taste.
intruder's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A ring at the front door of the flat caused him to exclaim "Oh, hell!" and cock an attentive ear for the intruder's voice.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It gave him particular pleasure, being embellished with a large number of drawings in sepia, extremely delicate in workmanship, and not always equally so in subject.
Justiniannoun
Byzantine emperor who held the eastern frontier of his empire against the Persians; codified Roman law in 529; his general Belisarius regained North Africa and Spain (483-565)
From this reading _Hearts Count More Than Diamonds_ About ten days after that notable Armistice Day, Lord Peter Wimsey was sitting in his library, reading a rare fourteenth century manuscript of Justinian.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It gave him particular pleasure, being embellished with a large number of drawings in sepia, extremely delicate in workmanship, and not always equally so in subject.
a room where books are kept
From this reading _Hearts Count More Than Diamonds_ About ten days after that notable Armistice Day, Lord Peter Wimsey was sitting in his library, reading a rare fourteenth century manuscript of Justinian.
plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking
From this reading From time to time he stimulated his interest with a few sips, pursing his lips thoughtfully, and slowly savoring the balmy after-taste.
long-necked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Beside him on a convenient table stood a long-necked decanter of priceless old port.
terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God
From this reading _Hearts Count More Than Diamonds_ About ten days after that notable Armistice Day, Lord Peter Wimsey was sitting in his library, reading a rare fourteenth century manuscript of Justinian.
manuscriptnounUS /ˈmæn.jə.skrɪpt/
A book, document, or piece of music written by hand rather than typed or printed.
From this reading _Hearts Count More Than Diamonds_ About ten days after that notable Armistice Day, Lord Peter Wimsey was sitting in his library, reading a rare fourteenth century manuscript of Justinian.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading _Hearts Count More Than Diamonds_ About ten days after that notable Armistice Day, Lord Peter Wimsey was sitting in his library, reading a rare fourteenth century manuscript of Justinian.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It gave him particular pleasure, being embellished with a large number of drawings in sepia, extremely delicate in workmanship, and not always equally so in subject.
notableadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊtəbəl/
widely known and esteemed
From this reading _Hearts Count More Than Diamonds_ About ten days after that notable Armistice Day, Lord Peter Wimsey was sitting in his library, reading a rare fourteenth century manuscript of Justinian.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading It gave him particular pleasure, being embellished with a large number of drawings in sepia, extremely delicate in workmanship, and not always equally so in subject.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _Hearts Count More Than Diamonds_ About ten days after that notable Armistice Day, Lord Peter Wimsey was sitting in his library, reading a rare fourteenth century manuscript of Justinian.
a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region
From this reading A ring at the front door of the flat caused him to exclaim "Oh, hell!" and cock an attentive ear for the intruder's voice.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Beside him on a convenient table stood a long-necked decanter of priceless old port.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Beside him on a convenient table stood a long-necked decanter of priceless old port.
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading It gave him particular pleasure, being embellished with a large number of drawings in sepia, extremely delicate in workmanship, and not always equally so in subject.
disciple of Jesus and leader of the Apostles; regarded by Catholics as the vicar of Christ on earth and first Pope
From this reading _Hearts Count More Than Diamonds_ About ten days after that notable Armistice Day, Lord Peter Wimsey was sitting in his library, reading a rare fourteenth century manuscript of Justinian.
a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading It gave him particular pleasure, being embellished with a large number of drawings in sepia, extremely delicate in workmanship, and not always equally so in subject.
a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country
From this reading Beside him on a convenient table stood a long-necked decanter of priceless old port.
pricelessadjectiveUS /ˈpraɪsləs/
having incalculable monetary, intellectual, or spiritual worth
From this reading Beside him on a convenient table stood a long-necked decanter of priceless old port.
pursing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From time to time he stimulated his interest with a few sips, pursing his lips thoughtfully, and slowly savoring the balmy after-taste.
not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
From this reading _Hearts Count More Than Diamonds_ About ten days after that notable Armistice Day, Lord Peter Wimsey was sitting in his library, reading a rare fourteenth century manuscript of Justinian.
the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message
From this reading _Hearts Count More Than Diamonds_ About ten days after that notable Armistice Day, Lord Peter Wimsey was sitting in his library, reading a rare fourteenth century manuscript of Justinian.
sound loudly and sonorously
From this reading A ring at the front door of the flat caused him to exclaim "Oh, hell!" and cock an attentive ear for the intruder's voice.
savoringnounUS /ˈseɪvərɪŋ/
taking a small amount into the mouth to test its quality
From this reading From time to time he stimulated his interest with a few sips, pursing his lips thoughtfully, and slowly savoring the balmy after-taste.
sepianounUS /ˈsiːpiə/
a shade of brown with a tinge of red
From this reading It gave him particular pleasure, being embellished with a large number of drawings in sepia, extremely delicate in workmanship, and not always equally so in subject.
sipsnounUS /sɪps/
plural of “sip” — a small drink
From this reading From time to time he stimulated his interest with a few sips, pursing his lips thoughtfully, and slowly savoring the balmy after-taste.
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading _Hearts Count More Than Diamonds_ About ten days after that notable Armistice Day, Lord Peter Wimsey was sitting in his library, reading a rare fourteenth century manuscript of Justinian.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading From time to time he stimulated his interest with a few sips, pursing his lips thoughtfully, and slowly savoring the balmy after-taste.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It gave him particular pleasure, being embellished with a large number of drawings in sepia, extremely delicate in workmanship, and not always equally so in subject.
stimulatedadjectiveUS /ˈstɪmjəleɪtɪd/
emotionally aroused
From this reading From time to time he stimulated his interest with a few sips, pursing his lips thoughtfully, and slowly savoring the balmy after-taste.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading Beside him on a convenient table stood a long-necked decanter of priceless old port.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading It gave him particular pleasure, being embellished with a large number of drawings in sepia, extremely delicate in workmanship, and not always equally so in subject.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading Beside him on a convenient table stood a long-necked decanter of priceless old port.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading _Hearts Count More Than Diamonds_ About ten days after that notable Armistice Day, Lord Peter Wimsey was sitting in his library, reading a rare fourteenth century manuscript of Justinian.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading _Hearts Count More Than Diamonds_ About ten days after that notable Armistice Day, Lord Peter Wimsey was sitting in his library, reading a rare fourteenth century manuscript of Justinian.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading _Hearts Count More Than Diamonds_ About ten days after that notable Armistice Day, Lord Peter Wimsey was sitting in his library, reading a rare fourteenth century manuscript of Justinian.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading From time to time he stimulated his interest with a few sips, pursing his lips thoughtfully, and slowly savoring the balmy after-taste.
thoughtfullyadverbUS /ˈθɔːtfəli/
in a thoughtful manner
From this reading From time to time he stimulated his interest with a few sips, pursing his lips thoughtfully, and slowly savoring the balmy after-taste.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading From time to time he stimulated his interest with a few sips, pursing his lips thoughtfully, and slowly savoring the balmy after-taste.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading From time to time he stimulated his interest with a few sips, pursing his lips thoughtfully, and slowly savoring the balmy after-taste.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading A ring at the front door of the flat caused him to exclaim "Oh, hell!" and cock an attentive ear for the intruder's voice.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _Hearts Count More Than Diamonds_ About ten days after that notable Armistice Day, Lord Peter Wimsey was sitting in his library, reading a rare fourteenth century manuscript of Justinian.
Wimsey
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Hearts Count More Than Diamonds_ About ten days after that notable Armistice Day, Lord Peter Wimsey was sitting in his library, reading a rare fourteenth century manuscript of Justinian.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It gave him particular pleasure, being embellished with a large number of drawings in sepia, extremely delicate in workmanship, and not always equally so in subject.
workmanshipnounUS /ˈwɜːrkmənʃɪp/
skill in an occupation or trade
From this reading It gave him particular pleasure, being embellished with a large number of drawings in sepia, extremely delicate in workmanship, and not always equally so in subject.
