used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
abominableadjectiveUS /əˈbɑːmənəbəl/
unequivocally detestable
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
(sentence connectors) because of the reason given
From this reading We accordingly lay down within them at an early hour.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading We accordingly lay down within them at an early hour.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading Having wished my uncle good-night, and ascertained that not a living mosquito was inside the curtain, I closed my eyes, and was in another instant asleep.
ascertainedadjectiveUS /ˌæsərˈteɪnd/
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading Having wished my uncle good-night, and ascertained that not a living mosquito was inside the curtain, I closed my eyes, and was in another instant asleep.
in a state of sleep
From this reading Having wished my uncle good-night, and ascertained that not a living mosquito was inside the curtain, I closed my eyes, and was in another instant asleep.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Tim had procured some mosquito-curtains, which we were to take with us on our voyage, when we should require them even more than at Cervanos.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Tim was to call us half-an-hour before daybreak, that we might take some chocolate before starting.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Tim was to call us half-an-hour before daybreak, that we might take some chocolate before starting.
Cervanos
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tim had procured some mosquito-curtains, which we were to take with us on our voyage, when we should require them even more than at Cervanos.
chocolatenounUS /ˈtʃɔːklət/
a beverage made from cocoa powder and milk and sugar; usually drunk hot
From this reading Tim was to call us half-an-hour before daybreak, that we might take some chocolate before starting.
not open or affording passage or access
From this reading Having wished my uncle good-night, and ascertained that not a living mosquito was inside the curtain, I closed my eyes, and was in another instant asleep.
closingnounUS /ˈkloʊzɪŋ/
the act of closing something
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)
From this reading Having wished my uncle good-night, and ascertained that not a living mosquito was inside the curtain, I closed my eyes, and was in another instant asleep.
daybreaknounUS /ˈdeɪbreɪk/
the first light of day
From this reading Tim was to call us half-an-hour before daybreak, that we might take some chocolate before starting.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading We accordingly lay down within them at an early hour.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading We accordingly lay down within them at an early hour.
divisible by two
From this reading Tim had procured some mosquito-curtains, which we were to take with us on our voyage, when we should require them even more than at Cervanos.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Having wished my uncle good-night, and ascertained that not a living mosquito was inside the curtain, I closed my eyes, and was in another instant asleep.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
good-night
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Having wished my uncle good-night, and ascertained that not a living mosquito was inside the curtain, I closed my eyes, and was in another instant asleep.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Tim had procured some mosquito-curtains, which we were to take with us on our voyage, when we should require them even more than at Cervanos.
half-an-hour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tim was to call us half-an-hour before daybreak, that we might take some chocolate before starting.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
Havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Having wished my uncle good-night, and ascertained that not a living mosquito was inside the curtain, I closed my eyes, and was in another instant asleep.
perceive (sound) via the auditory sense
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading We accordingly lay down within them at an early hour.
hummingnounUS /ˈhʌmɪŋ/
a humming noise
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Having wished my uncle good-night, and ascertained that not a living mosquito was inside the curtain, I closed my eyes, and was in another instant asleep.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space
From this reading Having wished my uncle good-night, and ascertained that not a living mosquito was inside the curtain, I closed my eyes, and was in another instant asleep.
a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)
From this reading Having wished my uncle good-night, and ascertained that not a living mosquito was inside the curtain, I closed my eyes, and was in another instant asleep.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading We accordingly lay down within them at an early hour.
the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities
From this reading Having wished my uncle good-night, and ascertained that not a living mosquito was inside the curtain, I closed my eyes, and was in another instant asleep.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Tim was to call us half-an-hour before daybreak, that we might take some chocolate before starting.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Tim had procured some mosquito-curtains, which we were to take with us on our voyage, when we should require them even more than at Cervanos.
mosquitonounUS /məˈskiːtoʊ/
two-winged insect whose female has a long proboscis to pierce the skin and suck the blood of humans and animals
From this reading Having wished my uncle good-night, and ascertained that not a living mosquito was inside the curtain, I closed my eyes, and was in another instant asleep.
mosquito-curtains
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tim had procured some mosquito-curtains, which we were to take with us on our voyage, when we should require them even more than at Cervanos.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Having wished my uncle good-night, and ascertained that not a living mosquito was inside the curtain, I closed my eyes, and was in another instant asleep.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Having wished my uncle good-night, and ascertained that not a living mosquito was inside the curtain, I closed my eyes, and was in another instant asleep.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Tim had procured some mosquito-curtains, which we were to take with us on our voyage, when we should require them even more than at Cervanos.
an open or empty space in or between things
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
in other respects or ways
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Tim had procured some mosquito-curtains, which we were to take with us on our voyage, when we should require them even more than at Cervanos.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
just preceding something else in time or order
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
procuredverbUS /proʊˈkjʊrd/
past form of “procure” — get by special effort
From this reading Tim had procured some mosquito-curtains, which we were to take with us on our voyage, when we should require them even more than at Cervanos.
accomplished rapidly and without delay
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
require as useful, just, or proper
From this reading Tim had procured some mosquito-curtains, which we were to take with us on our voyage, when we should require them even more than at Cervanos.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Tim had procured some mosquito-curtains, which we were to take with us on our voyage, when we should require them even more than at Cervanos.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Tim had procured some mosquito-curtains, which we were to take with us on our voyage, when we should require them even more than at Cervanos.
feeling a need to see others suffer
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
(especially of eyes) bulging or protruding as with fear
From this reading Tim was to call us half-an-hour before daybreak, that we might take some chocolate before starting.
carry out
From this reading Tim had procured some mosquito-curtains, which we were to take with us on our voyage, when we should require them even more than at Cervanos.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Tim had procured some mosquito-curtains, which we were to take with us on our voyage, when we should require them even more than at Cervanos.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Having wished my uncle good-night, and ascertained that not a living mosquito was inside the curtain, I closed my eyes, and was in another instant asleep.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Tim had procured some mosquito-curtains, which we were to take with us on our voyage, when we should require them even more than at Cervanos.
Tim
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tim had procured some mosquito-curtains, which we were to take with us on our voyage, when we should require them even more than at Cervanos.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Tim had procured some mosquito-curtains, which we were to take with us on our voyage, when we should require them even more than at Cervanos.
tormentorsnounUS /ˈtɔːrmentərz/
plural of “tormentor” — someone who torments
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
hard to endure
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading Having wished my uncle good-night, and ascertained that not a living mosquito was inside the curtain, I closed my eyes, and was in another instant asleep.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Tim had procured some mosquito-curtains, which we were to take with us on our voyage, when we should require them even more than at Cervanos.
characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
precisely as stated
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
an act of traveling by water
From this reading Tim had procured some mosquito-curtains, which we were to take with us on our voyage, when we should require them even more than at Cervanos.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Tim had procured some mosquito-curtains, which we were to take with us on our voyage, when we should require them even more than at Cervanos.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Tim had procured some mosquito-curtains, which we were to take with us on our voyage, when we should require them even more than at Cervanos.
at the time that
From this reading Tim had procured some mosquito-curtains, which we were to take with us on our voyage, when we should require them even more than at Cervanos.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Tim had procured some mosquito-curtains, which we were to take with us on our voyage, when we should require them even more than at Cervanos.
past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish
From this reading Having wished my uncle good-night, and ascertained that not a living mosquito was inside the curtain, I closed my eyes, and was in another instant asleep.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Tim had procured some mosquito-curtains, which we were to take with us on our voyage, when we should require them even more than at Cervanos.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading We accordingly lay down within them at an early hour.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading It was pleasant to hear our abominable tormentors of the previous night humming about outside, and trying in vain to get at us; but we had to be very quick in closing the opening, or a host would otherwise have made their way in, in spite of us.
