used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading ETIENNE During many generations of men the spire of St. Etienne, like a silent witness day and night, had pointed upward to the great beyond, to the immeasurable depths of stars, away from this world of struggle, passion, and human desire.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading And through the fleeting hours day and night the carillon had rung out its happy, irresponsible music, now a laughing cadence which echoed in the night air, now a low whisper like the inspiration of a child's prayer.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading ETIENNE During many generations of men the spire of St. Etienne, like a silent witness day and night, had pointed upward to the great beyond, to the immeasurable depths of stars, away from this world of struggle, passion, and human desire.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading ETIENNE During many generations of men the spire of St. Etienne, like a silent witness day and night, had pointed upward to the great beyond, to the immeasurable depths of stars, away from this world of struggle, passion, and human desire.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Men had fought, schemed, died, and been forgotten since the rising sun first turned its fane to golden fire; yet still it silently showed the small worth of earthly matters and the limitless possibilities of the future.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading ETIENNE During many generations of men the spire of St. Etienne, like a silent witness day and night, had pointed upward to the great beyond, to the immeasurable depths of stars, away from this world of struggle, passion, and human desire.
cadencenounUS /ˈkeɪdəns/
(prosody) the accent in a metrical foot of verse
From this reading And through the fleeting hours day and night the carillon had rung out its happy, irresponsible music, now a laughing cadence which echoed in the night air, now a low whisper like the inspiration of a child's prayer.
carillonnounUS /ˈkerəlɑːn/
set of bells hung in a bell tower
From this reading And through the fleeting hours day and night the carillon had rung out its happy, irresponsible music, now a laughing cadence which echoed in the night air, now a low whisper like the inspiration of a child's prayer.
child'snounUS /tʃaɪldz/
possessive form of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading And through the fleeting hours day and night the carillon had rung out its happy, irresponsible music, now a laughing cadence which echoed in the night air, now a low whisper like the inspiration of a child's prayer.
one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship
From this reading Jean had understood the message ever since the first night he had crept into the great church to sleep.
inflected form of “creep” — move slowly; in the case of people or animals with the body near the ground
From this reading Jean had understood the message ever since the first night he had crept into the great church to sleep.
CRYPTnounUS /krɪpt/
An underground room or vault beneath an ancient building, often used for storage or burials.
From this reading THE CRYPT OF ST.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading ETIENNE During many generations of men the spire of St. Etienne, like a silent witness day and night, had pointed upward to the great beyond, to the immeasurable depths of stars, away from this world of struggle, passion, and human desire.
(plural) the deepest and most remote part
From this reading ETIENNE During many generations of men the spire of St. Etienne, like a silent witness day and night, had pointed upward to the great beyond, to the immeasurable depths of stars, away from this world of struggle, passion, and human desire.
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading ETIENNE During many generations of men the spire of St. Etienne, like a silent witness day and night, had pointed upward to the great beyond, to the immeasurable depths of stars, away from this world of struggle, passion, and human desire.
past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life
From this reading Men had fought, schemed, died, and been forgotten since the rising sun first turned its fane to golden fire; yet still it silently showed the small worth of earthly matters and the limitless possibilities of the future.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading ETIENNE During many generations of men the spire of St. Etienne, like a silent witness day and night, had pointed upward to the great beyond, to the immeasurable depths of stars, away from this world of struggle, passion, and human desire.
earthlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrθli/
of or belonging to or characteristic of this earth as distinguished from heaven
From this reading Men had fought, schemed, died, and been forgotten since the rising sun first turned its fane to golden fire; yet still it silently showed the small worth of earthly matters and the limitless possibilities of the future.
echoedverbUS /ˈekoʊd/
past form of “echo” — to say again or imitate
From this reading And through the fleeting hours day and night the carillon had rung out its happy, irresponsible music, now a laughing cadence which echoed in the night air, now a low whisper like the inspiration of a child's prayer.
ETIENNE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ETIENNE During many generations of men the spire of St. Etienne, like a silent witness day and night, had pointed upward to the great beyond, to the immeasurable depths of stars, away from this world of struggle, passion, and human desire.
at any time
From this reading Jean had understood the message ever since the first night he had crept into the great church to sleep.
fane
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Men had fought, schemed, died, and been forgotten since the rising sun first turned its fane to golden fire; yet still it silently showed the small worth of earthly matters and the limitless possibilities of the future.
start firing a weapon
From this reading Men had fought, schemed, died, and been forgotten since the rising sun first turned its fane to golden fire; yet still it silently showed the small worth of earthly matters and the limitless possibilities of the future.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Men had fought, schemed, died, and been forgotten since the rising sun first turned its fane to golden fire; yet still it silently showed the small worth of earthly matters and the limitless possibilities of the future.
fleetingadjectiveUS /ˈfliːtɪŋ/
lasting for a markedly brief time
From this reading And through the fleeting hours day and night the carillon had rung out its happy, irresponsible music, now a laughing cadence which echoed in the night air, now a low whisper like the inspiration of a child's prayer.
Not remembered; lapsed from memory.
From this reading Men had fought, schemed, died, and been forgotten since the rising sun first turned its fane to golden fire; yet still it silently showed the small worth of earthly matters and the limitless possibilities of the future.
inflected form of “fight” — be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight
From this reading Men had fought, schemed, died, and been forgotten since the rising sun first turned its fane to golden fire; yet still it silently showed the small worth of earthly matters and the limitless possibilities of the future.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading ETIENNE During many generations of men the spire of St. Etienne, like a silent witness day and night, had pointed upward to the great beyond, to the immeasurable depths of stars, away from this world of struggle, passion, and human desire.
yet to be or coming
From this reading Men had fought, schemed, died, and been forgotten since the rising sun first turned its fane to golden fire; yet still it silently showed the small worth of earthly matters and the limitless possibilities of the future.
generationsnounUS /ˌdʒenərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “generation” — all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age
From this reading ETIENNE During many generations of men the spire of St. Etienne, like a silent witness day and night, had pointed upward to the great beyond, to the immeasurable depths of stars, away from this world of struggle, passion, and human desire.
having the deep slightly brownish color of gold
From this reading Men had fought, schemed, died, and been forgotten since the rising sun first turned its fane to golden fire; yet still it silently showed the small worth of earthly matters and the limitless possibilities of the future.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading ETIENNE During many generations of men the spire of St. Etienne, like a silent witness day and night, had pointed upward to the great beyond, to the immeasurable depths of stars, away from this world of struggle, passion, and human desire.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading ETIENNE During many generations of men the spire of St. Etienne, like a silent witness day and night, had pointed upward to the great beyond, to the immeasurable depths of stars, away from this world of struggle, passion, and human desire.
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading And through the fleeting hours day and night the carillon had rung out its happy, irresponsible music, now a laughing cadence which echoed in the night air, now a low whisper like the inspiration of a child's prayer.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Jean had understood the message ever since the first night he had crept into the great church to sleep.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading And through the fleeting hours day and night the carillon had rung out its happy, irresponsible music, now a laughing cadence which echoed in the night air, now a low whisper like the inspiration of a child's prayer.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading ETIENNE During many generations of men the spire of St. Etienne, like a silent witness day and night, had pointed upward to the great beyond, to the immeasurable depths of stars, away from this world of struggle, passion, and human desire.
immeasurableadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈmeʒəræbəl/
impossible to measure
From this reading ETIENNE During many generations of men the spire of St. Etienne, like a silent witness day and night, had pointed upward to the great beyond, to the immeasurable depths of stars, away from this world of struggle, passion, and human desire.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading And through the fleeting hours day and night the carillon had rung out its happy, irresponsible music, now a laughing cadence which echoed in the night air, now a low whisper like the inspiration of a child's prayer.
inspirationnounUS /ˌɪnspərˈeɪʃən/
arousal of the mind to special unusual activity or creativity
From this reading And through the fleeting hours day and night the carillon had rung out its happy, irresponsible music, now a laughing cadence which echoed in the night air, now a low whisper like the inspiration of a child's prayer.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Jean had understood the message ever since the first night he had crept into the great church to sleep.
irresponsibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪrəˈspɑːnsəbəl/
showing lack of care for consequences
From this reading And through the fleeting hours day and night the carillon had rung out its happy, irresponsible music, now a laughing cadence which echoed in the night air, now a low whisper like the inspiration of a child's prayer.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Men had fought, schemed, died, and been forgotten since the rising sun first turned its fane to golden fire; yet still it silently showed the small worth of earthly matters and the limitless possibilities of the future.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Men had fought, schemed, died, and been forgotten since the rising sun first turned its fane to golden fire; yet still it silently showed the small worth of earthly matters and the limitless possibilities of the future.
a coarse durable twill-weave cotton fabric
From this reading Jean had understood the message ever since the first night he had crept into the great church to sleep.
showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness
From this reading And through the fleeting hours day and night the carillon had rung out its happy, irresponsible music, now a laughing cadence which echoed in the night air, now a low whisper like the inspiration of a child's prayer.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading ETIENNE During many generations of men the spire of St. Etienne, like a silent witness day and night, had pointed upward to the great beyond, to the immeasurable depths of stars, away from this world of struggle, passion, and human desire.
limitlessadjectiveUS /ˈlɪmətləs/
without limits in extent or size or quantity
From this reading Men had fought, schemed, died, and been forgotten since the rising sun first turned its fane to golden fire; yet still it silently showed the small worth of earthly matters and the limitless possibilities of the future.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading And through the fleeting hours day and night the carillon had rung out its happy, irresponsible music, now a laughing cadence which echoed in the night air, now a low whisper like the inspiration of a child's prayer.
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 ETIENNE During many generations of men the spire of St. Etienne, like a silent witness day and night, had pointed upward to the great beyond, to the immeasurable depths of stars, away from this world of struggle, passion, and human desire.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Men had fought, schemed, died, and been forgotten since the rising sun first turned its fane to golden fire; yet still it silently showed the small worth of earthly matters and the limitless possibilities of the future.
the force of workers available
From this reading ETIENNE During many generations of men the spire of St. Etienne, like a silent witness day and night, had pointed upward to the great beyond, to the immeasurable depths of stars, away from this world of struggle, passion, and human desire.
a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled
From this reading Jean had understood the message ever since the first night he had crept into the great church to sleep.
an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner
From this reading And through the fleeting hours day and night the carillon had rung out its happy, irresponsible music, now a laughing cadence which echoed in the night air, now a low whisper like the inspiration of a child's prayer.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading ETIENNE During many generations of men the spire of St. Etienne, like a silent witness day and night, had pointed upward to the great beyond, to the immeasurable depths of stars, away from this world of struggle, passion, and human desire.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading And through the fleeting hours day and night the carillon had rung out its happy, irresponsible music, now a laughing cadence which echoed in the night air, now a low whisper like the inspiration of a child's prayer.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE CRYPT OF ST.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading And through the fleeting hours day and night the carillon had rung out its happy, irresponsible music, now a laughing cadence which echoed in the night air, now a low whisper like the inspiration of a child's prayer.
a strong feeling or emotion
From this reading ETIENNE During many generations of men the spire of St. Etienne, like a silent witness day and night, had pointed upward to the great beyond, to the immeasurable depths of stars, away from this world of struggle, passion, and human desire.
having a point
From this reading ETIENNE During many generations of men the spire of St. Etienne, like a silent witness day and night, had pointed upward to the great beyond, to the immeasurable depths of stars, away from this world of struggle, passion, and human desire.
possibilitiesnounUS /ˌpɑːsəˈbɪlətiz/
plural of “possibility” — a future prospect or potential
From this reading Men had fought, schemed, died, and been forgotten since the rising sun first turned its fane to golden fire; yet still it silently showed the small worth of earthly matters and the limitless possibilities of the future.
the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)
From this reading And through the fleeting hours day and night the carillon had rung out its happy, irresponsible music, now a laughing cadence which echoed in the night air, now a low whisper like the inspiration of a child's prayer.
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading Men had fought, schemed, died, and been forgotten since the rising sun first turned its fane to golden fire; yet still it silently showed the small worth of earthly matters and the limitless possibilities of the future.
rungnounUS /rʌŋ/
a crosspiece between the legs of a chair
From this reading And through the fleeting hours day and night the carillon had rung out its happy, irresponsible music, now a laughing cadence which echoed in the night air, now a low whisper like the inspiration of a child's prayer.
schemedverbUS /skiːmd/
past form of “scheme” — form intrigues (for) in an underhand manner
From this reading Men had fought, schemed, died, and been forgotten since the rising sun first turned its fane to golden fire; yet still it silently showed the small worth of earthly matters and the limitless possibilities of the future.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Men had fought, schemed, died, and been forgotten since the rising sun first turned its fane to golden fire; yet still it silently showed the small worth of earthly matters and the limitless possibilities of the future.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading ETIENNE During many generations of men the spire of St. Etienne, like a silent witness day and night, had pointed upward to the great beyond, to the immeasurable depths of stars, away from this world of struggle, passion, and human desire.
without speaking
From this reading Men had fought, schemed, died, and been forgotten since the rising sun first turned its fane to golden fire; yet still it silently showed the small worth of earthly matters and the limitless possibilities of the future.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Men had fought, schemed, died, and been forgotten since the rising sun first turned its fane to golden fire; yet still it silently showed the small worth of earthly matters and the limitless possibilities of the future.
a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading Jean had understood the message ever since the first night he had crept into the great church to sleep.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Men had fought, schemed, died, and been forgotten since the rising sun first turned its fane to golden fire; yet still it silently showed the small worth of earthly matters and the limitless possibilities of the future.
spirenounUS /spaɪr/
a tall tower that forms the superstructure of a building (usually a church or temple) and that tapers to a point at the top
From this reading ETIENNE During many generations of men the spire of St. Etienne, like a silent witness day and night, had pointed upward to the great beyond, to the immeasurable depths of stars, away from this world of struggle, passion, and human desire.
ST
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CRYPT OF ST.
plural of “star” — (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
From this reading ETIENNE During many generations of men the spire of St. Etienne, like a silent witness day and night, had pointed upward to the great beyond, to the immeasurable depths of stars, away from this world of struggle, passion, and human desire.
not in physical motion
From this reading Men had fought, schemed, died, and been forgotten since the rising sun first turned its fane to golden fire; yet still it silently showed the small worth of earthly matters and the limitless possibilities of the future.
make a strenuous or labored effort
From this reading ETIENNE During many generations of men the spire of St. Etienne, like a silent witness day and night, had pointed upward to the great beyond, to the immeasurable depths of stars, away from this world of struggle, passion, and human desire.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading Men had fought, schemed, died, and been forgotten since the rising sun first turned its fane to golden fire; yet still it silently showed the small worth of earthly matters and the limitless possibilities of the future.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE CRYPT OF ST.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading ETIENNE During many generations of men the spire of St. Etienne, like a silent witness day and night, had pointed upward to the great beyond, to the immeasurable depths of stars, away from this world of struggle, passion, and human desire.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading And through the fleeting hours day and night the carillon had rung out its happy, irresponsible music, now a laughing cadence which echoed in the night air, now a low whisper like the inspiration of a child's prayer.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading ETIENNE During many generations of men the spire of St. Etienne, like a silent witness day and night, had pointed upward to the great beyond, to the immeasurable depths of stars, away from this world of struggle, passion, and human desire.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading Men had fought, schemed, died, and been forgotten since the rising sun first turned its fane to golden fire; yet still it silently showed the small worth of earthly matters and the limitless possibilities of the future.
fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation
From this reading Jean had understood the message ever since the first night he had crept into the great church to sleep.
directed up
From this reading ETIENNE During many generations of men the spire of St. Etienne, like a silent witness day and night, had pointed upward to the great beyond, to the immeasurable depths of stars, away from this world of struggle, passion, and human desire.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading And through the fleeting hours day and night the carillon had rung out its happy, irresponsible music, now a laughing cadence which echoed in the night air, now a low whisper like the inspiration of a child's prayer.
speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cords
From this reading And through the fleeting hours day and night the carillon had rung out its happy, irresponsible music, now a laughing cadence which echoed in the night air, now a low whisper like the inspiration of a child's prayer.
someone who sees an event and reports what happened
From this reading ETIENNE During many generations of men the spire of St. Etienne, like a silent witness day and night, had pointed upward to the great beyond, to the immeasurable depths of stars, away from this world of struggle, passion, and human desire.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading ETIENNE During many generations of men the spire of St. Etienne, like a silent witness day and night, had pointed upward to the great beyond, to the immeasurable depths of stars, away from this world of struggle, passion, and human desire.
an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value
From this reading Men had fought, schemed, died, and been forgotten since the rising sun first turned its fane to golden fire; yet still it silently showed the small worth of earthly matters and the limitless possibilities of the future.
but in spite of that
From this reading Men had fought, schemed, died, and been forgotten since the rising sun first turned its fane to golden fire; yet still it silently showed the small worth of earthly matters and the limitless possibilities of the future.
