used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading On warm, sunshiny afternoons, when Tibby yawned in a swinging hammock on the back veranda and the pupils were small and contracted, they appeared of a cerulean hue, warm and languorous.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading As for Tibby’s eyes, no one had been able to decide upon the exact color of them.
afternoonsnounUS /ˌæftərˈnuːnz/
plural of “afternoon” — the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading On warm, sunshiny afternoons, when Tibby yawned in a swinging hammock on the back veranda and the pupils were small and contracted, they appeared of a cerulean hue, warm and languorous.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading On warm, sunshiny afternoons, when Tibby yawned in a swinging hammock on the back veranda and the pupils were small and contracted, they appeared of a cerulean hue, warm and languorous.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading On warm, sunshiny afternoons, when Tibby yawned in a swinging hammock on the back veranda and the pupils were small and contracted, they appeared of a cerulean hue, warm and languorous.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As for Tibby’s eyes, no one had been able to decide upon the exact color of them.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading On warm, sunshiny afternoons, when Tibby yawned in a swinging hammock on the back veranda and the pupils were small and contracted, they appeared of a cerulean hue, warm and languorous.
for the reason that
From this reading Her brothers called them cat’s eyes, not only because the name Tibby was a contraction of the more severe Tabitha of her christening, but from the ever-varying, changing light which shone in their restless depths, which now dilated until the least rim of color was visible, now contracted like those of a purring kitten.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading As for Tibby’s eyes, no one had been able to decide upon the exact color of them.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading But when a tempest of rage shook her pliant figure her eyes sparkled black as coal from the mines.
plural of “brother” — a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading Her brothers called them cat’s eyes, not only because the name Tibby was a contraction of the more severe Tabitha of her christening, but from the ever-varying, changing light which shone in their restless depths, which now dilated until the least rim of color was visible, now contracted like those of a purring kitten.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But when a tempest of rage shook her pliant figure her eyes sparkled black as coal from the mines.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Her brothers called them cat’s eyes, not only because the name Tibby was a contraction of the more severe Tabitha of her christening, but from the ever-varying, changing light which shone in their restless depths, which now dilated until the least rim of color was visible, now contracted like those of a purring kitten.
cat'snounUS /kæts/
possessive form of “cat” — feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats
From this reading Her brothers called them cat’s eyes, not only because the name Tibby was a contraction of the more severe Tabitha of her christening, but from the ever-varying, changing light which shone in their restless depths, which now dilated until the least rim of color was visible, now contracted like those of a purring kitten.
ceruleannoun
a light shade of blue
From this reading On warm, sunshiny afternoons, when Tibby yawned in a swinging hammock on the back veranda and the pupils were small and contracted, they appeared of a cerulean hue, warm and languorous.
changingadjectiveUS /ˈtʃeɪndʒɪŋ/
marked by continuous change or effective action
From this reading Her brothers called them cat’s eyes, not only because the name Tibby was a contraction of the more severe Tabitha of her christening, but from the ever-varying, changing light which shone in their restless depths, which now dilated until the least rim of color was visible, now contracted like those of a purring kitten.
christeningnounUS /ˈkrɪsənɪŋ/
giving a Christian name at baptism
From this reading Her brothers called them cat’s eyes, not only because the name Tibby was a contraction of the more severe Tabitha of her christening, but from the ever-varying, changing light which shone in their restless depths, which now dilated until the least rim of color was visible, now contracted like those of a purring kitten.
cloudyadjectiveUS /ˈklaʊdi/
lacking definite form or limits
From this reading On cloudy days, when the sky was dark and lowering, Tibby’s eyes were gray and forbidding.
coalnounUS /koʊl/
fossil fuel consisting of carbonized vegetable matter deposited in the Carboniferous period
From this reading But when a tempest of rage shook her pliant figure her eyes sparkled black as coal from the mines.
a visual attribute of things that results from the light they emit or transmit or reflect
From this reading As for Tibby’s eyes, no one had been able to decide upon the exact color of them.
contractedadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːntræktəd/
reduced in size or pulled together
From this reading On warm, sunshiny afternoons, when Tibby yawned in a swinging hammock on the back veranda and the pupils were small and contracted, they appeared of a cerulean hue, warm and languorous.
contractionnounUS /kənˈtrækʃən/
(physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber)
From this reading Her brothers called them cat’s eyes, not only because the name Tibby was a contraction of the more severe Tabitha of her christening, but from the ever-varying, changing light which shone in their restless depths, which now dilated until the least rim of color was visible, now contracted like those of a purring kitten.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading On cloudy days, when the sky was dark and lowering, Tibby’s eyes were gray and forbidding.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading On cloudy days, when the sky was dark and lowering, Tibby’s eyes were gray and forbidding.
reach, make, or come to a decision about something
From this reading As for Tibby’s eyes, no one had been able to decide upon the exact color of them.
(plural) the deepest and most remote part
From this reading Her brothers called them cat’s eyes, not only because the name Tibby was a contraction of the more severe Tabitha of her christening, but from the ever-varying, changing light which shone in their restless depths, which now dilated until the least rim of color was visible, now contracted like those of a purring kitten.
dilatedverbUS /ˌdaɪˈleɪtɪd/
past form of “dilate” — become wider
From this reading Her brothers called them cat’s eyes, not only because the name Tibby was a contraction of the more severe Tabitha of her christening, but from the ever-varying, changing light which shone in their restless depths, which now dilated until the least rim of color was visible, now contracted like those of a purring kitten.
ever-varying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her brothers called them cat’s eyes, not only because the name Tibby was a contraction of the more severe Tabitha of her christening, but from the ever-varying, changing light which shone in their restless depths, which now dilated until the least rim of color was visible, now contracted like those of a purring kitten.
exactadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzækt/
Strictly particular and correct.
From this reading As for Tibby’s eyes, no one had been able to decide upon the exact color of them.
opinion or judgment
From this reading As for Tibby’s eyes, no one had been able to decide upon the exact color of them.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading But when a tempest of rage shook her pliant figure her eyes sparkled black as coal from the mines.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading As for Tibby’s eyes, no one had been able to decide upon the exact color of them.
forbiddingadjectiveUS /fərˈbɪdɪŋ/
harshly uninviting or formidable in manner or appearance
From this reading On cloudy days, when the sky was dark and lowering, Tibby’s eyes were gray and forbidding.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading But when a tempest of rage shook her pliant figure her eyes sparkled black as coal from the mines.
a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black
From this reading On cloudy days, when the sky was dark and lowering, Tibby’s eyes were gray and forbidding.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading As for Tibby’s eyes, no one had been able to decide upon the exact color of them.
hammocknounUS /ˈhæmək/
a small natural hill
From this reading On warm, sunshiny afternoons, when Tibby yawned in a swinging hammock on the back veranda and the pupils were small and contracted, they appeared of a cerulean hue, warm and languorous.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading But when a tempest of rage shook her pliant figure her eyes sparkled black as coal from the mines.
huenounUS /hjuː/
the quality of a color as determined by its dominant wavelength
From this reading On warm, sunshiny afternoons, when Tibby yawned in a swinging hammock on the back veranda and the pupils were small and contracted, they appeared of a cerulean hue, warm and languorous.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading On warm, sunshiny afternoons, when Tibby yawned in a swinging hammock on the back veranda and the pupils were small and contracted, they appeared of a cerulean hue, warm and languorous.
kittennounUS /ˈkɪtən/
young domestic cat
From this reading Her brothers called them cat’s eyes, not only because the name Tibby was a contraction of the more severe Tabitha of her christening, but from the ever-varying, changing light which shone in their restless depths, which now dilated until the least rim of color was visible, now contracted like those of a purring kitten.
languorousadjective
lacking spirit or liveliness
From this reading On warm, sunshiny afternoons, when Tibby yawned in a swinging hammock on the back veranda and the pupils were small and contracted, they appeared of a cerulean hue, warm and languorous.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading Her brothers called them cat’s eyes, not only because the name Tibby was a contraction of the more severe Tabitha of her christening, but from the ever-varying, changing light which shone in their restless depths, which now dilated until the least rim of color was visible, now contracted like those of a purring kitten.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading Her brothers called them cat’s eyes, not only because the name Tibby was a contraction of the more severe Tabitha of her christening, but from the ever-varying, changing light which shone in their restless depths, which now dilated until the least rim of color was visible, now contracted like those of a purring kitten.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Her brothers called them cat’s eyes, not only because the name Tibby was a contraction of the more severe Tabitha of her christening, but from the ever-varying, changing light which shone in their restless depths, which now dilated until the least rim of color was visible, now contracted like those of a purring kitten.
loweringadjectiveUS /ˈloʊərɪŋ/
darkened by clouds
From this reading On cloudy days, when the sky was dark and lowering, Tibby’s eyes were gray and forbidding.
minesnounUS /maɪnz/
plural of “mine” — excavation in the earth from which ores and minerals are extracted
From this reading But when a tempest of rage shook her pliant figure her eyes sparkled black as coal from the mines.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Her brothers called them cat’s eyes, not only because the name Tibby was a contraction of the more severe Tabitha of her christening, but from the ever-varying, changing light which shone in their restless depths, which now dilated until the least rim of color was visible, now contracted like those of a purring kitten.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Her brothers called them cat’s eyes, not only because the name Tibby was a contraction of the more severe Tabitha of her christening, but from the ever-varying, changing light which shone in their restless depths, which now dilated until the least rim of color was visible, now contracted like those of a purring kitten.
not any; not one
From this reading As for Tibby’s eyes, no one had been able to decide upon the exact color of them.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Her brothers called them cat’s eyes, not only because the name Tibby was a contraction of the more severe Tabitha of her christening, but from the ever-varying, changing light which shone in their restless depths, which now dilated until the least rim of color was visible, now contracted like those of a purring kitten.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Her brothers called them cat’s eyes, not only because the name Tibby was a contraction of the more severe Tabitha of her christening, but from the ever-varying, changing light which shone in their restless depths, which now dilated until the least rim of color was visible, now contracted like those of a purring kitten.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading As for Tibby’s eyes, no one had been able to decide upon the exact color of them.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On warm, sunshiny afternoons, when Tibby yawned in a swinging hammock on the back veranda and the pupils were small and contracted, they appeared of a cerulean hue, warm and languorous.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading As for Tibby’s eyes, no one had been able to decide upon the exact color of them.
and nothing more
From this reading Her brothers called them cat’s eyes, not only because the name Tibby was a contraction of the more severe Tabitha of her christening, but from the ever-varying, changing light which shone in their restless depths, which now dilated until the least rim of color was visible, now contracted like those of a purring kitten.
pliantadjectiveUS /ˈplaɪənt/
capable of being influenced or formed
From this reading But when a tempest of rage shook her pliant figure her eyes sparkled black as coal from the mines.
pupilsnounUS /ˈpjuːpəlz/
plural of “pupil” — a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution
From this reading On warm, sunshiny afternoons, when Tibby yawned in a swinging hammock on the back veranda and the pupils were small and contracted, they appeared of a cerulean hue, warm and languorous.
purringverbUS /ˈpɜːrɪŋ/
-ing form of “purr” — make a soft swishing sound
From this reading Her brothers called them cat’s eyes, not only because the name Tibby was a contraction of the more severe Tabitha of her christening, but from the ever-varying, changing light which shone in their restless depths, which now dilated until the least rim of color was visible, now contracted like those of a purring kitten.
a feeling of intense anger
From this reading But when a tempest of rage shook her pliant figure her eyes sparkled black as coal from the mines.
restlessadjectiveUS /ˈrestləs/
worried and uneasy
From this reading Her brothers called them cat’s eyes, not only because the name Tibby was a contraction of the more severe Tabitha of her christening, but from the ever-varying, changing light which shone in their restless depths, which now dilated until the least rim of color was visible, now contracted like those of a purring kitten.
rimnounUS /rɪm/
the shape of a raised edge of a more or less circular object
From this reading Her brothers called them cat’s eyes, not only because the name Tibby was a contraction of the more severe Tabitha of her christening, but from the ever-varying, changing light which shone in their restless depths, which now dilated until the least rim of color was visible, now contracted like those of a purring kitten.
intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality
From this reading Her brothers called them cat’s eyes, not only because the name Tibby was a contraction of the more severe Tabitha of her christening, but from the ever-varying, changing light which shone in their restless depths, which now dilated until the least rim of color was visible, now contracted like those of a purring kitten.
inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light
From this reading Her brothers called them cat’s eyes, not only because the name Tibby was a contraction of the more severe Tabitha of her christening, but from the ever-varying, changing light which shone in their restless depths, which now dilated until the least rim of color was visible, now contracted like those of a purring kitten.
a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment
From this reading But when a tempest of rage shook her pliant figure her eyes sparkled black as coal from the mines.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading On cloudy days, when the sky was dark and lowering, Tibby’s eyes were gray and forbidding.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading On warm, sunshiny afternoons, when Tibby yawned in a swinging hammock on the back veranda and the pupils were small and contracted, they appeared of a cerulean hue, warm and languorous.
sparkledverbUS /ˈspɑːrkəld/
past form of “sparkle” — reflect brightly
From this reading But when a tempest of rage shook her pliant figure her eyes sparkled black as coal from the mines.
sunshiny
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On warm, sunshiny afternoons, when Tibby yawned in a swinging hammock on the back veranda and the pupils were small and contracted, they appeared of a cerulean hue, warm and languorous.
swingingnounUS /ˈswɪŋɪŋ/
changing location by moving back and forth
From this reading On warm, sunshiny afternoons, when Tibby yawned in a swinging hammock on the back veranda and the pupils were small and contracted, they appeared of a cerulean hue, warm and languorous.
Tabitha
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her brothers called them cat’s eyes, not only because the name Tibby was a contraction of the more severe Tabitha of her christening, but from the ever-varying, changing light which shone in their restless depths, which now dilated until the least rim of color was visible, now contracted like those of a purring kitten.
tempestnounUS /ˈtempəst/
a violent commotion or disturbance
From this reading But when a tempest of rage shook her pliant figure her eyes sparkled black as coal from the mines.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading As for Tibby’s eyes, no one had been able to decide upon the exact color of them.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Her brothers called them cat’s eyes, not only because the name Tibby was a contraction of the more severe Tabitha of her christening, but from the ever-varying, changing light which shone in their restless depths, which now dilated until the least rim of color was visible, now contracted like those of a purring kitten.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading As for Tibby’s eyes, no one had been able to decide upon the exact color of them.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading On warm, sunshiny afternoons, when Tibby yawned in a swinging hammock on the back veranda and the pupils were small and contracted, they appeared of a cerulean hue, warm and languorous.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Her brothers called them cat’s eyes, not only because the name Tibby was a contraction of the more severe Tabitha of her christening, but from the ever-varying, changing light which shone in their restless depths, which now dilated until the least rim of color was visible, now contracted like those of a purring kitten.
Tibby
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On warm, sunshiny afternoons, when Tibby yawned in a swinging hammock on the back veranda and the pupils were small and contracted, they appeared of a cerulean hue, warm and languorous.
Tibby's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As for Tibby’s eyes, no one had been able to decide upon the exact color of them.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading As for Tibby’s eyes, no one had been able to decide upon the exact color of them.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading Her brothers called them cat’s eyes, not only because the name Tibby was a contraction of the more severe Tabitha of her christening, but from the ever-varying, changing light which shone in their restless depths, which now dilated until the least rim of color was visible, now contracted like those of a purring kitten.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading As for Tibby’s eyes, no one had been able to decide upon the exact color of them.
verandanounUS /vərˈændə/
a porch along the outside of a building (sometimes partly enclosed)
From this reading On warm, sunshiny afternoons, when Tibby yawned in a swinging hammock on the back veranda and the pupils were small and contracted, they appeared of a cerulean hue, warm and languorous.
capable of being seen; or open to easy view
From this reading Her brothers called them cat’s eyes, not only because the name Tibby was a contraction of the more severe Tabitha of her christening, but from the ever-varying, changing light which shone in their restless depths, which now dilated until the least rim of color was visible, now contracted like those of a purring kitten.
having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat
From this reading On warm, sunshiny afternoons, when Tibby yawned in a swinging hammock on the back veranda and the pupils were small and contracted, they appeared of a cerulean hue, warm and languorous.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading On cloudy days, when the sky was dark and lowering, Tibby’s eyes were gray and forbidding.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading On warm, sunshiny afternoons, when Tibby yawned in a swinging hammock on the back veranda and the pupils were small and contracted, they appeared of a cerulean hue, warm and languorous.
at the time that
From this reading On warm, sunshiny afternoons, when Tibby yawned in a swinging hammock on the back veranda and the pupils were small and contracted, they appeared of a cerulean hue, warm and languorous.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Her brothers called them cat’s eyes, not only because the name Tibby was a contraction of the more severe Tabitha of her christening, but from the ever-varying, changing light which shone in their restless depths, which now dilated until the least rim of color was visible, now contracted like those of a purring kitten.
yawnedverbUS /jɔːnd/
past form of “yawn” — utter a yawn, as from lack of oxygen or when one is tired
From this reading On warm, sunshiny afternoons, when Tibby yawned in a swinging hammock on the back veranda and the pupils were small and contracted, they appeared of a cerulean hue, warm and languorous.
