used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was a crisp, chill November afternoon, with just a hint of frost in the air that made it bracing.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Milky clouds dimmed the intense blue of the heavens, an occasional gust of wind tore off bright-hued leaves from the trees and tossed them gayly about, and already the grass was turning brown.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading It was a crisp, chill November afternoon, with just a hint of frost in the air that made it bracing.
in the past
From this reading Her eyes no longer sparkled with the fire of youth, her cheeks, once pink as a lotus bloom, were now marked by the cruel furrows of time, and her figure had lost its girlish grace many a year ago, for to-day was her sixtieth birthday.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading It was a crisp, chill November afternoon, with just a hint of frost in the air that made it bracing.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading Milky clouds dimmed the intense blue of the heavens, an occasional gust of wind tore off bright-hued leaves from the trees and tossed them gayly about, and already the grass was turning brown.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Milky clouds dimmed the intense blue of the heavens, an occasional gust of wind tore off bright-hued leaves from the trees and tossed them gayly about, and already the grass was turning brown.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Milky clouds dimmed the intense blue of the heavens, an occasional gust of wind tore off bright-hued leaves from the trees and tossed them gayly about, and already the grass was turning brown.
apparelled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
playing or singing with instrumental or vocal accompaniment
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
the season when the leaves fall from the trees
From this reading She too was in the autumn of life now.
barenessnoun
a bleak and desolate atmosphere
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
the qualities that give pleasure to the senses
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
birthdaynounUS /ˈbɜːrθdeɪ/
an anniversary of the day on which a person was born (or the celebration of it)
From this reading Her eyes no longer sparkled with the fire of youth, her cheeks, once pink as a lotus bloom, were now marked by the cruel furrows of time, and her figure had lost its girlish grace many a year ago, for to-day was her sixtieth birthday.
bloomnounUS /bluːm/
the organic process of bearing flowers
From this reading Her eyes no longer sparkled with the fire of youth, her cheeks, once pink as a lotus bloom, were now marked by the cruel furrows of time, and her figure had lost its girlish grace many a year ago, for to-day was her sixtieth birthday.
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading Milky clouds dimmed the intense blue of the heavens, an occasional gust of wind tore off bright-hued leaves from the trees and tossed them gayly about, and already the grass was turning brown.
bracingnounUS /ˈbreɪsɪŋ/
a structural member used to stiffen a framework
From this reading It was a crisp, chill November afternoon, with just a hint of frost in the air that made it bracing.
bright-hued
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Milky clouds dimmed the intense blue of the heavens, an occasional gust of wind tore off bright-hued leaves from the trees and tossed them gayly about, and already the grass was turning brown.
an orange of low brightness and saturation
From this reading Milky clouds dimmed the intense blue of the heavens, an occasional gust of wind tore off bright-hued leaves from the trees and tossed them gayly about, and already the grass was turning brown.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
plural of “cheek” — either side of the face below the eyes
From this reading Her eyes no longer sparkled with the fire of youth, her cheeks, once pink as a lotus bloom, were now marked by the cruel furrows of time, and her figure had lost its girlish grace many a year ago, for to-day was her sixtieth birthday.
chillnounUS /tʃɪl/
coldness due to a cold environment
From this reading It was a crisp, chill November afternoon, with just a hint of frost in the air that made it bracing.
plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible
From this reading Milky clouds dimmed the intense blue of the heavens, an occasional gust of wind tore off bright-hued leaves from the trees and tossed them gayly about, and already the grass was turning brown.
an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
crispadjectiveUS /krɪsp/
(of something seen or heard) clearly defined
From this reading It was a crisp, chill November afternoon, with just a hint of frost in the air that made it bracing.
crueladjectiveUS /ˈkruːəl/
(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering
From this reading Her eyes no longer sparkled with the fire of youth, her cheeks, once pink as a lotus bloom, were now marked by the cruel furrows of time, and her figure had lost its girlish grace many a year ago, for to-day was her sixtieth birthday.
dimmedadjectiveUS /dɪmd/
made dim or less bright
From this reading Milky clouds dimmed the intense blue of the heavens, an occasional gust of wind tore off bright-hued leaves from the trees and tossed them gayly about, and already the grass was turning brown.
EmpressnounUS /ˈempres/
a woman emperor or the wife of an emperor
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
eunuchs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Her eyes no longer sparkled with the fire of youth, her cheeks, once pink as a lotus bloom, were now marked by the cruel furrows of time, and her figure had lost its girlish grace many a year ago, for to-day was her sixtieth birthday.
fadingnounUS /ˈfeɪdɪŋ/
weakening in force or intensity
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading Her eyes no longer sparkled with the fire of youth, her cheeks, once pink as a lotus bloom, were now marked by the cruel furrows of time, and her figure had lost its girlish grace many a year ago, for to-day was her sixtieth birthday.
start firing a weapon
From this reading Her eyes no longer sparkled with the fire of youth, her cheeks, once pink as a lotus bloom, were now marked by the cruel furrows of time, and her figure had lost its girlish grace many a year ago, for to-day was her sixtieth birthday.
a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Her eyes no longer sparkled with the fire of youth, her cheeks, once pink as a lotus bloom, were now marked by the cruel furrows of time, and her figure had lost its girlish grace many a year ago, for to-day was her sixtieth birthday.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Milky clouds dimmed the intense blue of the heavens, an occasional gust of wind tore off bright-hued leaves from the trees and tossed them gayly about, and already the grass was turning brown.
frostnounUS /frɔːst/
ice crystals forming a white deposit (especially on objects outside)
From this reading It was a crisp, chill November afternoon, with just a hint of frost in the air that made it bracing.
furrows
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her eyes no longer sparkled with the fire of youth, her cheeks, once pink as a lotus bloom, were now marked by the cruel furrows of time, and her figure had lost its girlish grace many a year ago, for to-day was her sixtieth birthday.
a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
gaylyadverb
in a joyous manner
From this reading Milky clouds dimmed the intense blue of the heavens, an occasional gust of wind tore off bright-hued leaves from the trees and tossed them gayly about, and already the grass was turning brown.
girlishadjectiveUS /ˈɡɜːrlɪʃ/
befitting or characteristic of a young girl
From this reading Her eyes no longer sparkled with the fire of youth, her cheeks, once pink as a lotus bloom, were now marked by the cruel furrows of time, and her figure had lost its girlish grace many a year ago, for to-day was her sixtieth birthday.
(Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence
From this reading Her eyes no longer sparkled with the fire of youth, her cheeks, once pink as a lotus bloom, were now marked by the cruel furrows of time, and her figure had lost its girlish grace many a year ago, for to-day was her sixtieth birthday.
shoot down, of birds
From this reading Milky clouds dimmed the intense blue of the heavens, an occasional gust of wind tore off bright-hued leaves from the trees and tossed them gayly about, and already the grass was turning brown.
gustnounUS /ɡʌst/
a strong current of air
From this reading Milky clouds dimmed the intense blue of the heavens, an occasional gust of wind tore off bright-hued leaves from the trees and tossed them gayly about, and already the grass was turning brown.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Her eyes no longer sparkled with the fire of youth, her cheeks, once pink as a lotus bloom, were now marked by the cruel furrows of time, and her figure had lost its girlish grace many a year ago, for to-day was her sixtieth birthday.
the apparent surface of the imaginary sphere on which celestial bodies appear to be projected
From this reading Milky clouds dimmed the intense blue of the heavens, an occasional gust of wind tore off bright-hued leaves from the trees and tossed them gayly about, and already the grass was turning brown.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Her eyes no longer sparkled with the fire of youth, her cheeks, once pink as a lotus bloom, were now marked by the cruel furrows of time, and her figure had lost its girlish grace many a year ago, for to-day was her sixtieth birthday.
an indirect suggestion
From this reading It was a crisp, chill November afternoon, with just a hint of frost in the air that made it bracing.
imperialadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpɪriəl/
relating to or associated with an empire
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was a crisp, chill November afternoon, with just a hint of frost in the air that made it bracing.
possessing or displaying a distinctive feature to a heightened degree
From this reading Milky clouds dimmed the intense blue of the heavens, an occasional gust of wind tore off bright-hued leaves from the trees and tossed them gayly about, and already the grass was turning brown.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was a crisp, chill November afternoon, with just a hint of frost in the air that made it bracing.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Her eyes no longer sparkled with the fire of youth, her cheeks, once pink as a lotus bloom, were now marked by the cruel furrows of time, and her figure had lost its girlish grace many a year ago, for to-day was her sixtieth birthday.
and nothing more
From this reading It was a crisp, chill November afternoon, with just a hint of frost in the air that made it bracing.
plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants
From this reading Milky clouds dimmed the intense blue of the heavens, an occasional gust of wind tore off bright-hued leaves from the trees and tossed them gayly about, and already the grass was turning brown.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading She too was in the autumn of life now.
for more time
From this reading Her eyes no longer sparkled with the fire of youth, her cheeks, once pink as a lotus bloom, were now marked by the cruel furrows of time, and her figure had lost its girlish grace many a year ago, for to-day was her sixtieth birthday.
no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered
From this reading Her eyes no longer sparkled with the fire of youth, her cheeks, once pink as a lotus bloom, were now marked by the cruel furrows of time, and her figure had lost its girlish grace many a year ago, for to-day was her sixtieth birthday.
lotusnounUS /ˈloʊtəs/
native to eastern Asia; widely cultivated for its large pink or white flowers
From this reading Her eyes no longer sparkled with the fire of youth, her cheeks, once pink as a lotus bloom, were now marked by the cruel furrows of time, and her figure had lost its girlish grace many a year ago, for to-day was her sixtieth birthday.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading It was a crisp, chill November afternoon, with just a hint of frost in the air that made it bracing.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading Her eyes no longer sparkled with the fire of youth, her cheeks, once pink as a lotus bloom, were now marked by the cruel furrows of time, and her figure had lost its girlish grace many a year ago, for to-day was her sixtieth birthday.
strongly marked; easily noticeable
From this reading Her eyes no longer sparkled with the fire of youth, her cheeks, once pink as a lotus bloom, were now marked by the cruel furrows of time, and her figure had lost its girlish grace many a year ago, for to-day was her sixtieth birthday.
MilkyadjectiveUS /ˈmɪlki/
resembling milk in color; not clear
From this reading Milky clouds dimmed the intense blue of the heavens, an occasional gust of wind tore off bright-hued leaves from the trees and tossed them gayly about, and already the grass was turning brown.
not any; not one
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
NovembernounUS /noʊˈvembər/
the month following October and preceding December
From this reading It was a crisp, chill November afternoon, with just a hint of frost in the air that made it bracing.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading She too was in the autumn of life now.
occasionaladjectiveUS /əˈkeɪʒənəl/
occurring from time to time
From this reading Milky clouds dimmed the intense blue of the heavens, an occasional gust of wind tore off bright-hued leaves from the trees and tossed them gayly about, and already the grass was turning brown.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was a crisp, chill November afternoon, with just a hint of frost in the air that made it bracing.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Milky clouds dimmed the intense blue of the heavens, an occasional gust of wind tore off bright-hued leaves from the trees and tossed them gayly about, and already the grass was turning brown.
on one occasion
From this reading Her eyes no longer sparkled with the fire of youth, her cheeks, once pink as a lotus bloom, were now marked by the cruel furrows of time, and her figure had lost its girlish grace many a year ago, for to-day was her sixtieth birthday.
and nothing more
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
a light shade of red
From this reading Her eyes no longer sparkled with the fire of youth, her cheeks, once pink as a lotus bloom, were now marked by the cruel furrows of time, and her figure had lost its girlish grace many a year ago, for to-day was her sixtieth birthday.
richlyadverbUS /ˈrɪtʃli/
to an ample degree or in an ample manner
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
cut with a saw
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
the place where some action occurs
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
sixtiethnounUS /ˈsɪkstiɪθ/
position 60 in a countable series of things
From this reading Her eyes no longer sparkled with the fire of youth, her cheeks, once pink as a lotus bloom, were now marked by the cruel furrows of time, and her figure had lost its girlish grace many a year ago, for to-day was her sixtieth birthday.
plural of “slave” — a person who is owned by someone
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
sparkledverbUS /ˈspɑːrkəld/
past form of “sparkle” — reflect brightly
From this reading Her eyes no longer sparkled with the fire of youth, her cheeks, once pink as a lotus bloom, were now marked by the cruel furrows of time, and her figure had lost its girlish grace many a year ago, for to-day was her sixtieth birthday.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was a crisp, chill November afternoon, with just a hint of frost in the air that made it bracing.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was a crisp, chill November afternoon, with just a hint of frost in the air that made it bracing.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Milky clouds dimmed the intense blue of the heavens, an occasional gust of wind tore off bright-hued leaves from the trees and tossed them gayly about, and already the grass was turning brown.
in or at that place or location
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Her eyes no longer sparkled with the fire of youth, her cheeks, once pink as a lotus bloom, were now marked by the cruel furrows of time, and her figure had lost its girlish grace many a year ago, for to-day was her sixtieth birthday.
to-day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her eyes no longer sparkled with the fire of youth, her cheeks, once pink as a lotus bloom, were now marked by the cruel furrows of time, and her figure had lost its girlish grace many a year ago, for to-day was her sixtieth birthday.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading She too was in the autumn of life now.
commonly the lowest molding at the base of a column
From this reading Milky clouds dimmed the intense blue of the heavens, an occasional gust of wind tore off bright-hued leaves from the trees and tossed them gayly about, and already the grass was turning brown.
tossedverbUS /tɔːst/
past form of “toss” — throw or toss with a light motion
From this reading Milky clouds dimmed the intense blue of the heavens, an occasional gust of wind tore off bright-hued leaves from the trees and tossed them gayly about, and already the grass was turning brown.
plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading Milky clouds dimmed the intense blue of the heavens, an occasional gust of wind tore off bright-hued leaves from the trees and tossed them gayly about, and already the grass was turning brown.
Tuen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course
From this reading Milky clouds dimmed the intense blue of the heavens, an occasional gust of wind tore off bright-hued leaves from the trees and tossed them gayly about, and already the grass was turning brown.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was a crisp, chill November afternoon, with just a hint of frost in the air that made it bracing.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Her eyes no longer sparkled with the fire of youth, her cheeks, once pink as a lotus bloom, were now marked by the cruel furrows of time, and her figure had lost its girlish grace many a year ago, for to-day was her sixtieth birthday.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading Milky clouds dimmed the intense blue of the heavens, an occasional gust of wind tore off bright-hued leaves from the trees and tossed them gayly about, and already the grass was turning brown.
the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It was a crisp, chill November afternoon, with just a hint of frost in the air that made it bracing.
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading Her eyes no longer sparkled with the fire of youth, her cheeks, once pink as a lotus bloom, were now marked by the cruel furrows of time, and her figure had lost its girlish grace many a year ago, for to-day was her sixtieth birthday.
but in spite of that
From this reading But in the imperial Flower Garden there was as yet no sign of fading flowers or winter bareness, and as the Empress Tuen came out into it, attended by richly apparelled ladies of the court, and followed by slaves and eunuchs, she saw only a scene of beauty.
a young person (especially a young man or boy)
From this reading Her eyes no longer sparkled with the fire of youth, her cheeks, once pink as a lotus bloom, were now marked by the cruel furrows of time, and her figure had lost its girlish grace many a year ago, for to-day was her sixtieth birthday.
