used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He was smoking a cigarette in the pensive manner of a perfectly contented man.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading He was thinking pleasantly of those contracts which he had already given out for the colossal alterations which were being made in the mansion he owned out West, upon his wheat lands.
alterationsnounUS /ˌɔːltərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “alteration” — an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another
From this reading He was thinking pleasantly of those contracts which he had already given out for the colossal alterations which were being made in the mansion he owned out West, upon his wheat lands.
amassingverbUS /əˈmæsɪŋ/
-ing form of “amass” — collect or gather
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
anthracitenounUS /ˈænθrəsaɪt/
a hard natural coal that burns slowly and gives intense heat
From this reading THE BLINDING FIRES Hendrie stood with one foot on the burnished rail of the anthracite stove which augmented the heating apparatus of Monica's sitting-room.
apparatusnounUS /ˌæpərˈætəs/
equipment designed to serve a specific function
From this reading THE BLINDING FIRES Hendrie stood with one foot on the burnished rail of the anthracite stove which augmented the heating apparatus of Monica's sitting-room.
associatedverbUS /əˈsoʊsieɪtɪd/
past form of “associate” — make a logical or causal connection
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
augmentedadjectiveUS /ɑːɡˈmentɪd/
added to or made greater in amount or number or strength
From this reading THE BLINDING FIRES Hendrie stood with one foot on the burnished rail of the anthracite stove which augmented the heating apparatus of Monica's sitting-room.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading He was thinking pleasantly of those contracts which he had already given out for the colossal alterations which were being made in the mansion he owned out West, upon his wheat lands.
BLINDINGadjectiveUS /ˈblaɪndɪŋ/
shining intensely
From this reading THE BLINDING FIRES Hendrie stood with one foot on the burnished rail of the anthracite stove which augmented the heating apparatus of Monica's sitting-room.
burnishedadjectiveUS /ˈbɜːrnɪʃt/
made smooth and bright by or as if by rubbing; reflecting a sheen or glow
From this reading THE BLINDING FIRES Hendrie stood with one foot on the burnished rail of the anthracite stove which augmented the heating apparatus of Monica's sitting-room.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
carvedadjectiveUS /kɑːrvd/
made for or formed by carving (“carven” is archaic or literary)
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
cigarettenounUS /ˌsɪɡərˈet/
finely ground tobacco wrapped in paper; for smoking
From this reading He was smoking a cigarette in the pensive manner of a perfectly contented man.
colossaladjectiveUS /kəˈlɑːsəl/
so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe
From this reading He was thinking pleasantly of those contracts which he had already given out for the colossal alterations which were being made in the mansion he owned out West, upon his wheat lands.
gotten under control
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
contemplatingverbUS /ˈkɑːntəmpleɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “contemplate” — look at thoughtfully; observe deep in thought
From this reading He was contemplating rather the spending of money than the making of it.
contentedadjectiveUS /kənˈtentəd/
satisfied or showing satisfaction with things as they are
From this reading He was smoking a cigarette in the pensive manner of a perfectly contented man.
contractsnounUS /ˈkɑːntrækts/
plural of “contract” — a binding agreement between two or more persons that is enforceable by law
From this reading He was thinking pleasantly of those contracts which he had already given out for the colossal alterations which were being made in the mansion he owned out West, upon his wheat lands.
daintyadjectiveUS /ˈdeɪnti/
delicately beautiful
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
dreamingnounUS /ˈdriːmɪŋ/
imaginative thoughts indulged in while awake
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
plural of “dream” — a series of mental images and emotions occurring during sleep
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
opinion or judgment
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
plural of “fire” — the event of something burning (often destructive)
From this reading THE BLINDING FIRES Hendrie stood with one foot on the burnished rail of the anthracite stove which augmented the heating apparatus of Monica's sitting-room.
the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading THE BLINDING FIRES Hendrie stood with one foot on the burnished rail of the anthracite stove which augmented the heating apparatus of Monica's sitting-room.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
furnishingnounUS /ˈfɜːrnɪʃɪŋ/
(usually plural) accessory wearing apparel
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
yet to be or coming
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading He was thinking pleasantly of those contracts which he had already given out for the colossal alterations which were being made in the mansion he owned out West, upon his wheat lands.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was smoking a cigarette in the pensive manner of a perfectly contented man.
heatingnounUS /ˈhiːtɪŋ/
the process of becoming warmer; a rising temperature
From this reading THE BLINDING FIRES Hendrie stood with one foot on the burnished rail of the anthracite stove which augmented the heating apparatus of Monica's sitting-room.
Hendrie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BLINDING FIRES Hendrie stood with one foot on the burnished rail of the anthracite stove which augmented the heating apparatus of Monica's sitting-room.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
idlyadverbUS /ˈaɪdli/
in an idle manner
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He was smoking a cigarette in the pensive manner of a perfectly contented man.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He was contemplating rather the spending of money than the making of it.
plural of “land” — the land on which real estate is located
From this reading He was thinking pleasantly of those contracts which he had already given out for the colossal alterations which were being made in the mansion he owned out West, upon his wheat lands.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading He was thinking pleasantly of those contracts which he had already given out for the colossal alterations which were being made in the mansion he owned out West, upon his wheat lands.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading He was contemplating rather the spending of money than the making of it.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading He was smoking a cigarette in the pensive manner of a perfectly contented man.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading He was smoking a cigarette in the pensive manner of a perfectly contented man.
mansionnounUS /ˈmænʃən/
(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided
From this reading He was thinking pleasantly of those contracts which he had already given out for the colossal alterations which were being made in the mansion he owned out West, upon his wheat lands.
mechanismnounUS /ˈmekənɪzəm/
the atomic process that occurs during a chemical reaction
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
having or showing great strength or force or intensity
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender
From this reading He was contemplating rather the spending of money than the making of it.
Monica's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BLINDING FIRES Hendrie stood with one foot on the burnished rail of the anthracite stove which augmented the heating apparatus of Monica's sitting-room.
not any; not one
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE BLINDING FIRES Hendrie stood with one foot on the burnished rail of the anthracite stove which augmented the heating apparatus of Monica's sitting-room.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE BLINDING FIRES Hendrie stood with one foot on the burnished rail of the anthracite stove which augmented the heating apparatus of Monica's sitting-room.
on one occasion
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading THE BLINDING FIRES Hendrie stood with one foot on the burnished rail of the anthracite stove which augmented the heating apparatus of Monica's sitting-room.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading He was thinking pleasantly of those contracts which he had already given out for the colossal alterations which were being made in the mansion he owned out West, upon his wheat lands.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
ownedadjectiveUS /oʊnd/
having an owner; often used in combination
From this reading He was thinking pleasantly of those contracts which he had already given out for the colossal alterations which were being made in the mansion he owned out West, upon his wheat lands.
pensiveadjectiveUS /ˈpensɪv/
deeply or seriously thoughtful
From this reading He was smoking a cigarette in the pensive manner of a perfectly contented man.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading He was smoking a cigarette in the pensive manner of a perfectly contented man.
pleasantlyadverbUS /ˈplezəntli/
in a cheerful manner
From this reading He was thinking pleasantly of those contracts which he had already given out for the colossal alterations which were being made in the mansion he owned out West, upon his wheat lands.
railnounUS /reɪl/
a barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and supports
From this reading THE BLINDING FIRES Hendrie stood with one foot on the burnished rail of the anthracite stove which augmented the heating apparatus of Monica's sitting-room.
on the contrary
From this reading He was contemplating rather the spending of money than the making of it.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
sitting-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE BLINDING FIRES Hendrie stood with one foot on the burnished rail of the anthracite stove which augmented the heating apparatus of Monica's sitting-room.
the act of smoking tobacco or other substances
From this reading He was smoking a cigarette in the pensive manner of a perfectly contented man.
spendingnounUS /ˈspendɪŋ/
the act of spending or disbursing money
From this reading He was contemplating rather the spending of money than the making of it.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading THE BLINDING FIRES Hendrie stood with one foot on the burnished rail of the anthracite stove which augmented the heating apparatus of Monica's sitting-room.
stovenounUS /stoʊv/
a kitchen appliance used for cooking food
From this reading THE BLINDING FIRES Hendrie stood with one foot on the burnished rail of the anthracite stove which augmented the heating apparatus of Monica's sitting-room.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading He was contemplating rather the spending of money than the making of it.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE BLINDING FIRES Hendrie stood with one foot on the burnished rail of the anthracite stove which augmented the heating apparatus of Monica's sitting-room.
the process of using your mind to consider something carefully
From this reading He was thinking pleasantly of those contracts which he had already given out for the colossal alterations which were being made in the mansion he owned out West, upon his wheat lands.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading He was thinking pleasantly of those contracts which he had already given out for the colossal alterations which were being made in the mansion he owned out West, upon his wheat lands.
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading He was thinking pleasantly of those contracts which he had already given out for the colossal alterations which were being made in the mansion he owned out West, upon his wheat lands.
past form of “wander” — move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He was smoking a cigarette in the pensive manner of a perfectly contented man.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
the state of being rich and affluent; having a plentiful supply of material goods and money
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He was thinking pleasantly of those contracts which he had already given out for the colossal alterations which were being made in the mansion he owned out West, upon his wheat lands.
the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America
From this reading He was thinking pleasantly of those contracts which he had already given out for the colossal alterations which were being made in the mansion he owned out West, upon his wheat lands.
wheatnounUS /wiːt/
annual or biennial grass having erect flower spikes and light brown grains
From this reading He was thinking pleasantly of those contracts which he had already given out for the colossal alterations which were being made in the mansion he owned out West, upon his wheat lands.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading THE BLINDING FIRES Hendrie stood with one foot on the burnished rail of the anthracite stove which augmented the heating apparatus of Monica's sitting-room.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE BLINDING FIRES Hendrie stood with one foot on the burnished rail of the anthracite stove which augmented the heating apparatus of Monica's sitting-room.
extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers
From this reading His eyes idly wandered over the simple but dainty furnishing of the room, while his mind, that wonderful mechanism with which he had carved his way to a mighty fortune, was busy dreaming dreams of the future, which, for once, contained no thoughts associated with the amassing of his immense wealth.
