used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading NEMESIS THE place which Bassett had entered was a squalid little enclosure, eight or nine feet square, with the floor of the slaughter-house for a roof, rough slabs for walls, and the earth of the river bank for a floor.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading A rude fireplace of loose bricks had been built in one corner, the smoke from which was conducted up through a stove-pipe into the empty slaughter-house above.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading A little pile of coal, stolen from a near-by coalyard, occupied one corner, and a dirty bed, formed by some boards thrown across two boxes, another.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Three boxes took the place of chairs and table, and another box nailed against the wall, served as a cupboard.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading NEMESIS THE place which Bassett had entered was a squalid little enclosure, eight or nine feet square, with the floor of the slaughter-house for a roof, rough slabs for walls, and the earth of the river bank for a floor.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading A little pile of coal, stolen from a near-by coalyard, occupied one corner, and a dirty bed, formed by some boards thrown across two boxes, another.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Three boxes took the place of chairs and table, and another box nailed against the wall, served as a cupboard.
sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)
From this reading NEMESIS THE place which Bassett had entered was a squalid little enclosure, eight or nine feet square, with the floor of the slaughter-house for a roof, rough slabs for walls, and the earth of the river bank for a floor.
Bassett
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NEMESIS THE place which Bassett had entered was a squalid little enclosure, eight or nine feet square, with the floor of the slaughter-house for a roof, rough slabs for walls, and the earth of the river bank for a floor.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading A little pile of coal, stolen from a near-by coalyard, occupied one corner, and a dirty bed, formed by some boards thrown across two boxes, another.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading A rude fireplace of loose bricks had been built in one corner, the smoke from which was conducted up through a stove-pipe into the empty slaughter-house above.
boardsnounUS /bɔːrdz/
(used in the plural) the stage of a theater
From this reading A little pile of coal, stolen from a near-by coalyard, occupied one corner, and a dirty bed, formed by some boards thrown across two boxes, another.
bottlesnounUS /ˈbɑːtəlz/
plural of “bottle” — a glass or plastic vessel used for storing drinks or other liquids; typically cylindrical without handles and with a narrow neck that can be plugged or capped
From this reading The floor was littered with empty cans and whiskey bottles and scraps of refuse, and was slippery and slimy with dampness from the river.
a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid
From this reading Three boxes took the place of chairs and table, and another box nailed against the wall, served as a cupboard.
boxesnounUS /ˈbɑːksəz/
plural of “box” — a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid
From this reading A little pile of coal, stolen from a near-by coalyard, occupied one corner, and a dirty bed, formed by some boards thrown across two boxes, another.
bricksnounUS /brɪks/
plural of “brick” — rectangular block of clay baked by the sun or in a kiln; used as a building or paving material
From this reading A rude fireplace of loose bricks had been built in one corner, the smoke from which was conducted up through a stove-pipe into the empty slaughter-house above.
(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness
From this reading A rude fireplace of loose bricks had been built in one corner, the smoke from which was conducted up through a stove-pipe into the empty slaughter-house above.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A little pile of coal, stolen from a near-by coalyard, occupied one corner, and a dirty bed, formed by some boards thrown across two boxes, another.
cansnounUS /kænz/
plural of “can” — airtight sealed metal container for food or drink or paint etc.
From this reading The floor was littered with empty cans and whiskey bottles and scraps of refuse, and was slippery and slimy with dampness from the river.
plural of “chair” — a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading Three boxes took the place of chairs and table, and another box nailed against the wall, served as a cupboard.
coalnounUS /koʊl/
fossil fuel consisting of carbonized vegetable matter deposited in the Carboniferous period
From this reading A little pile of coal, stolen from a near-by coalyard, occupied one corner, and a dirty bed, formed by some boards thrown across two boxes, another.
coalyard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A little pile of coal, stolen from a near-by coalyard, occupied one corner, and a dirty bed, formed by some boards thrown across two boxes, another.
conductedverbUS /kənˈdʌktəd/
past form of “conduct” — direct the course of; manage or control
From this reading A rude fireplace of loose bricks had been built in one corner, the smoke from which was conducted up through a stove-pipe into the empty slaughter-house above.
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading A rude fireplace of loose bricks had been built in one corner, the smoke from which was conducted up through a stove-pipe into the empty slaughter-house above.
cupboardnounUS /ˈkʌbərd/
a small room (or recess) or cabinet used for storage space
From this reading Three boxes took the place of chairs and table, and another box nailed against the wall, served as a cupboard.
dampnessnounUS /ˈdæmpnɪs/
a slight wetness
From this reading The floor was littered with empty cans and whiskey bottles and scraps of refuse, and was slippery and slimy with dampness from the river.
dirtyadjectiveUS /ˈdɜːrti/
soiled or likely to soil with dirt or grime
From this reading A little pile of coal, stolen from a near-by coalyard, occupied one corner, and a dirty bed, formed by some boards thrown across two boxes, another.
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading NEMESIS THE place which Bassett had entered was a squalid little enclosure, eight or nine feet square, with the floor of the slaughter-house for a roof, rough slabs for walls, and the earth of the river bank for a floor.
being one more than seven
From this reading NEMESIS THE place which Bassett had entered was a squalid little enclosure, eight or nine feet square, with the floor of the slaughter-house for a roof, rough slabs for walls, and the earth of the river bank for a floor.
make void or empty of contents
From this reading A rude fireplace of loose bricks had been built in one corner, the smoke from which was conducted up through a stove-pipe into the empty slaughter-house above.
enclosurenounUS /enˈkloʊʒər/
a structure consisting of an area that has been enclosed for some purpose
From this reading NEMESIS THE place which Bassett had entered was a squalid little enclosure, eight or nine feet square, with the floor of the slaughter-house for a roof, rough slabs for walls, and the earth of the river bank for a floor.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading NEMESIS THE place which Bassett had entered was a squalid little enclosure, eight or nine feet square, with the floor of the slaughter-house for a roof, rough slabs for walls, and the earth of the river bank for a floor.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading NEMESIS THE place which Bassett had entered was a squalid little enclosure, eight or nine feet square, with the floor of the slaughter-house for a roof, rough slabs for walls, and the earth of the river bank for a floor.
fireplacenounUS /ˈfaɪərpleɪs/
an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built
From this reading A rude fireplace of loose bricks had been built in one corner, the smoke from which was conducted up through a stove-pipe into the empty slaughter-house above.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading NEMESIS THE place which Bassett had entered was a squalid little enclosure, eight or nine feet square, with the floor of the slaughter-house for a roof, rough slabs for walls, and the earth of the river bank for a floor.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading NEMESIS THE place which Bassett had entered was a squalid little enclosure, eight or nine feet square, with the floor of the slaughter-house for a roof, rough slabs for walls, and the earth of the river bank for a floor.
having or given a form or shape
From this reading A little pile of coal, stolen from a near-by coalyard, occupied one corner, and a dirty bed, formed by some boards thrown across two boxes, another.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A rude fireplace of loose bricks had been built in one corner, the smoke from which was conducted up through a stove-pipe into the empty slaughter-house above.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading NEMESIS THE place which Bassett had entered was a squalid little enclosure, eight or nine feet square, with the floor of the slaughter-house for a roof, rough slabs for walls, and the earth of the river bank for a floor.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A rude fireplace of loose bricks had been built in one corner, the smoke from which was conducted up through a stove-pipe into the empty slaughter-house above.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading A rude fireplace of loose bricks had been built in one corner, the smoke from which was conducted up through a stove-pipe into the empty slaughter-house above.
litteredadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtərd/
filled or scattered with a disorderly accumulation of objects or rubbish
From this reading The floor was littered with empty cans and whiskey bottles and scraps of refuse, and was slippery and slimy with dampness from the river.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading NEMESIS THE place which Bassett had entered was a squalid little enclosure, eight or nine feet square, with the floor of the slaughter-house for a roof, rough slabs for walls, and the earth of the river bank for a floor.
not compact or dense in structure or arrangement
From this reading A rude fireplace of loose bricks had been built in one corner, the smoke from which was conducted up through a stove-pipe into the empty slaughter-house above.
nailedverbUS /neɪld/
past form of “nail” — attach something somewhere by means of nails
From this reading Three boxes took the place of chairs and table, and another box nailed against the wall, served as a cupboard.
near-by
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A little pile of coal, stolen from a near-by coalyard, occupied one corner, and a dirty bed, formed by some boards thrown across two boxes, another.
NEMESISnounUS /ˈneməsɪs/
(Greek mythology) the goddess of divine retribution and vengeance
From this reading NEMESIS THE place which Bassett had entered was a squalid little enclosure, eight or nine feet square, with the floor of the slaughter-house for a roof, rough slabs for walls, and the earth of the river bank for a floor.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
From this reading NEMESIS THE place which Bassett had entered was a squalid little enclosure, eight or nine feet square, with the floor of the slaughter-house for a roof, rough slabs for walls, and the earth of the river bank for a floor.
held or filled or in use
From this reading A little pile of coal, stolen from a near-by coalyard, occupied one corner, and a dirty bed, formed by some boards thrown across two boxes, another.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading NEMESIS THE place which Bassett had entered was a squalid little enclosure, eight or nine feet square, with the floor of the slaughter-house for a roof, rough slabs for walls, and the earth of the river bank for a floor.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading A rude fireplace of loose bricks had been built in one corner, the smoke from which was conducted up through a stove-pipe into the empty slaughter-house above.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading NEMESIS THE place which Bassett had entered was a squalid little enclosure, eight or nine feet square, with the floor of the slaughter-house for a roof, rough slabs for walls, and the earth of the river bank for a floor.
a collection of objects laid on top of each other
From this reading A little pile of coal, stolen from a near-by coalyard, occupied one corner, and a dirty bed, formed by some boards thrown across two boxes, another.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading NEMESIS THE place which Bassett had entered was a squalid little enclosure, eight or nine feet square, with the floor of the slaughter-house for a roof, rough slabs for walls, and the earth of the river bank for a floor.
show unwillingness towards
From this reading The floor was littered with empty cans and whiskey bottles and scraps of refuse, and was slippery and slimy with dampness from the river.
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading NEMESIS THE place which Bassett had entered was a squalid little enclosure, eight or nine feet square, with the floor of the slaughter-house for a roof, rough slabs for walls, and the earth of the river bank for a floor.
a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building
From this reading NEMESIS THE place which Bassett had entered was a squalid little enclosure, eight or nine feet square, with the floor of the slaughter-house for a roof, rough slabs for walls, and the earth of the river bank for a floor.
having or caused by an irregular surface
From this reading NEMESIS THE place which Bassett had entered was a squalid little enclosure, eight or nine feet square, with the floor of the slaughter-house for a roof, rough slabs for walls, and the earth of the river bank for a floor.
socially incorrect in behavior
From this reading A rude fireplace of loose bricks had been built in one corner, the smoke from which was conducted up through a stove-pipe into the empty slaughter-house above.
scrapsnounUS /skræps/
food that is discarded (as from a kitchen)
From this reading The floor was littered with empty cans and whiskey bottles and scraps of refuse, and was slippery and slimy with dampness from the river.
past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading Three boxes took the place of chairs and table, and another box nailed against the wall, served as a cupboard.
slabsnounUS /slæbz/
plural of “slab” — block consisting of a thick piece of something
From this reading NEMESIS THE place which Bassett had entered was a squalid little enclosure, eight or nine feet square, with the floor of the slaughter-house for a roof, rough slabs for walls, and the earth of the river bank for a floor.
slaughter-house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading NEMESIS THE place which Bassett had entered was a squalid little enclosure, eight or nine feet square, with the floor of the slaughter-house for a roof, rough slabs for walls, and the earth of the river bank for a floor.
slimyadjectiveUS /ˈslaɪmi/
covered with or resembling slime
From this reading The floor was littered with empty cans and whiskey bottles and scraps of refuse, and was slippery and slimy with dampness from the river.
slipperyadjectiveUS /ˈslɪpəri/
causing or tending to cause things to slip or slide
From this reading The floor was littered with empty cans and whiskey bottles and scraps of refuse, and was slippery and slimy with dampness from the river.
a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas
From this reading A rude fireplace of loose bricks had been built in one corner, the smoke from which was conducted up through a stove-pipe into the empty slaughter-house above.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading A little pile of coal, stolen from a near-by coalyard, occupied one corner, and a dirty bed, formed by some boards thrown across two boxes, another.
squalidadjectiveUS /ˈskwɑːləd/
morally degraded
From this reading NEMESIS THE place which Bassett had entered was a squalid little enclosure, eight or nine feet square, with the floor of the slaughter-house for a roof, rough slabs for walls, and the earth of the river bank for a floor.
make square
From this reading NEMESIS THE place which Bassett had entered was a squalid little enclosure, eight or nine feet square, with the floor of the slaughter-house for a roof, rough slabs for walls, and the earth of the river bank for a floor.
inflected form of “steal” — take without the owner's consent
From this reading A little pile of coal, stolen from a near-by coalyard, occupied one corner, and a dirty bed, formed by some boards thrown across two boxes, another.
stove-pipe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A rude fireplace of loose bricks had been built in one corner, the smoke from which was conducted up through a stove-pipe into the empty slaughter-house above.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading Three boxes took the place of chairs and table, and another box nailed against the wall, served as a cupboard.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading NEMESIS THE place which Bassett had entered was a squalid little enclosure, eight or nine feet square, with the floor of the slaughter-house for a roof, rough slabs for walls, and the earth of the river bank for a floor.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Three boxes took the place of chairs and table, and another box nailed against the wall, served as a cupboard.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading A rude fireplace of loose bricks had been built in one corner, the smoke from which was conducted up through a stove-pipe into the empty slaughter-house above.
caused to fall to the ground
From this reading A little pile of coal, stolen from a near-by coalyard, occupied one corner, and a dirty bed, formed by some boards thrown across two boxes, another.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Three boxes took the place of chairs and table, and another box nailed against the wall, served as a cupboard.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading A little pile of coal, stolen from a near-by coalyard, occupied one corner, and a dirty bed, formed by some boards thrown across two boxes, another.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading A rude fireplace of loose bricks had been built in one corner, the smoke from which was conducted up through a stove-pipe into the empty slaughter-house above.
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 Three boxes took the place of chairs and table, and another box nailed against the wall, served as a cupboard.
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 NEMESIS THE place which Bassett had entered was a squalid little enclosure, eight or nine feet square, with the floor of the slaughter-house for a roof, rough slabs for walls, and the earth of the river bank for a floor.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading NEMESIS THE place which Bassett had entered was a squalid little enclosure, eight or nine feet square, with the floor of the slaughter-house for a roof, rough slabs for walls, and the earth of the river bank for a floor.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading NEMESIS THE place which Bassett had entered was a squalid little enclosure, eight or nine feet square, with the floor of the slaughter-house for a roof, rough slabs for walls, and the earth of the river bank for a floor.
whiskeynounUS /ˈwɪski/
a liquor made from fermented mash of grain
From this reading The floor was littered with empty cans and whiskey bottles and scraps of refuse, and was slippery and slimy with dampness from the river.
in the company of; together with
From this reading NEMESIS THE place which Bassett had entered was a squalid little enclosure, eight or nine feet square, with the floor of the slaughter-house for a roof, rough slabs for walls, and the earth of the river bank for a floor.
