used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
altarsnounUS /ˈɔːltərz/
plural of “altar” — the table in Christian churches where communion is given
From this reading Many hued tapers surrounded the glorious pillars, and eastern tapestries wreathed their fringes round the massive altars.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
ApostatenounUS /əˈpɔːsteɪt/
a disloyal person who betrays or deserts his cause or religion or political party or friend etc.
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
BasilicanounUS /bəˈsɪlɪkə/
an early Christian church designed like a Roman basilica; or a Roman Catholic church or cathedral accorded certain privileges
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading The exterior began to show signs of decay.
(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
made or become different in nature or form
From this reading The interior, too, had changed with the inexorable trend of the times.
examine so as to determine accuracy, quality, or condition
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
ConstantinenounUS /ˈkɑːnstəntiːn/
Emperor of Rome who stopped the persecution of Christians and in 324 made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire; in 330 he moved his capital from Rome to Byzantium and renamed it Constantinople (280-337)
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
decaynounUS /dɪˈkeɪ/
the process of gradually becoming inferior
From this reading The exterior began to show signs of decay.
defilementnoun
the state of being polluted
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
DENUNCIATIONnounUS /dɪˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃən/
a public act of denouncing
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
lying toward or situated in the east
From this reading Many hued tapers surrounded the glorious pillars, and eastern tapestries wreathed their fringes round the massive altars.
the male ruler of an empire
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
an old word for “before”
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
exteriornounUS /ɪkˈstɪriər/
the region that is outside of something
From this reading The exterior began to show signs of decay.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading The solemn recesses were filled with precious relics.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
fringesnounUS /ˈfrɪndʒɪz/
plural of “fringe” — the outside boundary or surface of something
From this reading Many hued tapers surrounded the glorious pillars, and eastern tapestries wreathed their fringes round the massive altars.
having or deserving or conferring glory
From this reading Many hued tapers surrounded the glorious pillars, and eastern tapestries wreathed their fringes round the massive altars.
a state of high honor
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
huedverbUS /hjuːd/
past form of “hue” — take on color or become colored
From this reading Many hued tapers surrounded the glorious pillars, and eastern tapestries wreathed their fringes round the massive altars.
impressiveadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpresɪv/
making a strong or vivid impression
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
inexorableadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈneksərəbəl/
not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
From this reading The interior, too, had changed with the inexorable trend of the times.
interioradjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtɪriər/
situated within or suitable for inside a building
From this reading The interior, too, had changed with the inexorable trend of the times.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
JuliannounUS /ˈdʒuːliən/
Roman Emperor and nephew of Constantine; he restored paganism as the official religion of the Roman Empire and destroyed Christian temples but his decision was reversed after his death (331?-363)
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
for more time
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
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 Many hued tapers surrounded the glorious pillars, and eastern tapestries wreathed their fringes round the massive altars.
massiveadjectiveUS /ˈmæsɪv/
imposing in size or bulk or solidity
From this reading Many hued tapers surrounded the glorious pillars, and eastern tapestries wreathed their fringes round the massive altars.
meretriciousadjective
like or relating to a prostitute
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
not any; not one
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
paganismnounUS /ˈpeɪɡənɪzəm/
any of various religions other than Christianity or Judaism or Islamism
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
pillarsnounUS /ˈpɪlərz/
plural of “pillar” — a fundamental principle or practice
From this reading Many hued tapers surrounded the glorious pillars, and eastern tapestries wreathed their fringes round the massive altars.
characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for
From this reading The solemn recesses were filled with precious relics.
pristineadjectiveUS /ˈprɪstin/
completely free from dirt or contamination
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
puritynounUS /ˈpjʊrəti/
being undiluted or unmixed with extraneous material
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
recessesnounUS /ˈriːsesəz/
plural of “recess” — a state of abeyance or suspended business
From this reading The solemn recesses were filled with precious relics.
relicsnounUS /ˈrelɪks/
plural of “relic” — an antiquity that has survived from the distant past
From this reading The solemn recesses were filled with precious relics.
retainedadjectiveUS /rɪˈteɪnd/
continued in your keeping or use or memory
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
revivalnounUS /rɪˈvaɪvəl/
bringing again into activity and prominence
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading Many hued tapers surrounded the glorious pillars, and eastern tapestries wreathed their fringes round the massive altars.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading The exterior began to show signs of decay.
plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading The exterior began to show signs of decay.
dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises
From this reading The solemn recesses were filled with precious relics.
splendornounUS /ˈsplen.dər/
Magnificent and splendid appearance; grandeur and brilliance.
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
confined on all sides
From this reading Many hued tapers surrounded the glorious pillars, and eastern tapestries wreathed their fringes round the massive altars.
tapersnounUS /ˈteɪpərz/
plural of “taper” — a convex shape that narrows toward a point
From this reading Many hued tapers surrounded the glorious pillars, and eastern tapestries wreathed their fringes round the massive altars.
tapestriesnounUS /ˈtæpəstriz/
plural of “tapestry” — something that resembles a tapestry in its intricacy
From this reading Many hued tapers surrounded the glorious pillars, and eastern tapestries wreathed their fringes round the massive altars.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Many hued tapers surrounded the glorious pillars, and eastern tapestries wreathed their fringes round the massive altars.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading The interior, too, had changed with the inexorable trend of the times.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The exterior began to show signs of decay.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading The interior, too, had changed with the inexorable trend of the times.
trendnounUS /trend/
a general direction in which something tends to move
From this reading The interior, too, had changed with the inexorable trend of the times.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The solemn recesses were filled with precious relics.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading THE DENUNCIATION The Basilica of Constantine no longer retained its pristine splendor, its pristine purity as in the days, ere the revival of paganism by the Emperor Julian the Apostate had put a sudden and impressive check upon the meretricious defilement of the glory, for which it was built.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The interior, too, had changed with the inexorable trend of the times.
wreathed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Many hued tapers surrounded the glorious pillars, and eastern tapestries wreathed their fringes round the massive altars.
