used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
commonly used or practiced; usual
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Narrow shafts ran up into the groining of the roof, against one of which lolled he who had spoken in his ear, and who appeared to be the captain of the party.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Narrow shafts ran up into the groining of the roof, against one of which lolled he who had spoken in his ear, and who appeared to be the captain of the party.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
(used of persons or the military) characterized by having or bearing arms
From this reading He stood, he saw, in a low vaulted chamber, a score of armed men surrounding him and the two who held him captive.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Narrow shafts ran up into the groining of the roof, against one of which lolled he who had spoken in his ear, and who appeared to be the captain of the party.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
terminate
From this reading The occasional clearing of a throat or the shuffle of a foot on the stone flags were the only sounds to break the dead stillness.
Brion's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading Narrow shafts ran up into the groining of the roof, against one of which lolled he who had spoken in his ear, and who appeared to be the captain of the party.
captivenounUS /ˈkæptɪv/
a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war
From this reading He stood, he saw, in a low vaulted chamber, a score of armed men surrounding him and the two who held him captive.
a natural or artificial enclosed space
From this reading He stood, he saw, in a low vaulted chamber, a score of armed men surrounding him and the two who held him captive.
clearingnounUS /ˈklɪrɪŋ/
a tract of land with few or no trees in the middle of a wooded area
From this reading The occasional clearing of a throat or the shuffle of a foot on the stone flags were the only sounds to break the dead stillness.
conductornounUS /kənˈdʌktər/
the person who leads a musical group
From this reading His conductor had disappeared--presumably to notify some one of his seizure--and silence and stagnation prevailed, pending, it seemed, the messenger’s return.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
the first light of day
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life
From this reading The occasional clearing of a throat or the shuffle of a foot on the stone flags were the only sounds to break the dead stillness.
past form of “disappear” — get lost, as without warning or explanation
From this reading His conductor had disappeared--presumably to notify some one of his seizure--and silence and stagnation prevailed, pending, it seemed, the messenger’s return.
the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
From this reading Narrow shafts ran up into the groining of the roof, against one of which lolled he who had spoken in his ear, and who appeared to be the captain of the party.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
flagsnounUS /flæɡz/
plural of “flag” — emblem usually consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design
From this reading The occasional clearing of a throat or the shuffle of a foot on the stone flags were the only sounds to break the dead stillness.
the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading The occasional clearing of a throat or the shuffle of a foot on the stone flags were the only sounds to break the dead stillness.
plural of “form” — the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
a state of partial or total darkness
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
gradualadjectiveUS /ˈɡrædʒuːəl/
proceeding in small stages
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
groining
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Narrow shafts ran up into the groining of the roof, against one of which lolled he who had spoken in his ear, and who appeared to be the captain of the party.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Narrow shafts ran up into the groining of the roof, against one of which lolled he who had spoken in his ear, and who appeared to be the captain of the party.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He stood, he saw, in a low vaulted chamber, a score of armed men surrounding him and the two who held him captive.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading He stood, he saw, in a low vaulted chamber, a score of armed men surrounding him and the two who held him captive.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Narrow shafts ran up into the groining of the roof, against one of which lolled he who had spoken in his ear, and who appeared to be the captain of the party.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading His conductor had disappeared--presumably to notify some one of his seizure--and silence and stagnation prevailed, pending, it seemed, the messenger’s return.
held up in the air
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
lolled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Narrow shafts ran up into the groining of the roof, against one of which lolled he who had spoken in his ear, and who appeared to be the captain of the party.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading He stood, he saw, in a low vaulted chamber, a score of armed men surrounding him and the two who held him captive.
the force of workers available
From this reading He stood, he saw, in a low vaulted chamber, a score of armed men surrounding him and the two who held him captive.
messenger's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His conductor had disappeared--presumably to notify some one of his seizure--and silence and stagnation prevailed, pending, it seemed, the messenger’s return.
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading Narrow shafts ran up into the groining of the roof, against one of which lolled he who had spoken in his ear, and who appeared to be the captain of the party.
notifyverbUS /ˈnoʊtəfaɪ/
inform (somebody) of something
From this reading His conductor had disappeared--presumably to notify some one of his seizure--and silence and stagnation prevailed, pending, it seemed, the messenger’s return.
occasionaladjectiveUS /əˈkeɪʒənəl/
occurring from time to time
From this reading The occasional clearing of a throat or the shuffle of a foot on the stone flags were the only sounds to break the dead stillness.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He stood, he saw, in a low vaulted chamber, a score of armed men surrounding him and the two who held him captive.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The occasional clearing of a throat or the shuffle of a foot on the stone flags were the only sounds to break the dead stillness.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
and nothing more
From this reading The occasional clearing of a throat or the shuffle of a foot on the stone flags were the only sounds to break the dead stillness.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The occasional clearing of a throat or the shuffle of a foot on the stone flags were the only sounds to break the dead stillness.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading Narrow shafts ran up into the groining of the roof, against one of which lolled he who had spoken in his ear, and who appeared to be the captain of the party.
pendingadjectiveUS /ˈpendɪŋ/
awaiting conclusion or confirmation
From this reading His conductor had disappeared--presumably to notify some one of his seizure--and silence and stagnation prevailed, pending, it seemed, the messenger’s return.
presumablyadverbUS /prəˈzuːməbli/
by reasonable assumption
From this reading His conductor had disappeared--presumably to notify some one of his seizure--and silence and stagnation prevailed, pending, it seemed, the messenger’s return.
prevailedverbUS /prɪˈveɪld/
past form of “prevail” — be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance
From this reading His conductor had disappeared--presumably to notify some one of his seizure--and silence and stagnation prevailed, pending, it seemed, the messenger’s return.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading Narrow shafts ran up into the groining of the roof, against one of which lolled he who had spoken in his ear, and who appeared to be the captain of the party.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading His conductor had disappeared--presumably to notify some one of his seizure--and silence and stagnation prevailed, pending, it seemed, the messenger’s return.
a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building
From this reading Narrow shafts ran up into the groining of the roof, against one of which lolled he who had spoken in his ear, and who appeared to be the captain of the party.
cut with a saw
From this reading He stood, he saw, in a low vaulted chamber, a score of armed men surrounding him and the two who held him captive.
a number or letter indicating quality (especially of a student's performance)
From this reading He stood, he saw, in a low vaulted chamber, a score of armed men surrounding him and the two who held him captive.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading His conductor had disappeared--presumably to notify some one of his seizure--and silence and stagnation prevailed, pending, it seemed, the messenger’s return.
seizurenounUS /ˈsiːʒər/
a sudden occurrence (or recurrence) of a disease
From this reading His conductor had disappeared--presumably to notify some one of his seizure--and silence and stagnation prevailed, pending, it seemed, the messenger’s return.
shadowyadjectiveUS /ˈʃædoʊi/
filled with shade
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
shaftsnounUS /ʃæfts/
plural of “shaft” — a line that forms the length of an arrow pointer
From this reading Narrow shafts ran up into the groining of the roof, against one of which lolled he who had spoken in his ear, and who appeared to be the captain of the party.
shapesnounUS /ʃeɪps/
plural of “shape” — any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
shuffleverbUS /ˈʃʌfəl/
walk by dragging one's feet
From this reading The occasional clearing of a throat or the shuffle of a foot on the stone flags were the only sounds to break the dead stillness.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading His conductor had disappeared--presumably to notify some one of his seizure--and silence and stagnation prevailed, pending, it seemed, the messenger’s return.
simulateverbUS /ˈsɪmjələt/
reproduce someone's behavior or looks
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading His conductor had disappeared--presumably to notify some one of his seizure--and silence and stagnation prevailed, pending, it seemed, the messenger’s return.
plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading The occasional clearing of a throat or the shuffle of a foot on the stone flags were the only sounds to break the dead stillness.
uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination
From this reading Narrow shafts ran up into the groining of the roof, against one of which lolled he who had spoken in his ear, and who appeared to be the captain of the party.
stagnationnounUS /stæɡˈneɪʃən/
a state of inactivity (in business or art etc)
From this reading His conductor had disappeared--presumably to notify some one of his seizure--and silence and stagnation prevailed, pending, it seemed, the messenger’s return.
stillnessnounUS /ˈstɪlnəs/
(poetic) tranquil silence
From this reading The occasional clearing of a throat or the shuffle of a foot on the stone flags were the only sounds to break the dead stillness.
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading The occasional clearing of a throat or the shuffle of a foot on the stone flags were the only sounds to break the dead stillness.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading He stood, he saw, in a low vaulted chamber, a score of armed men surrounding him and the two who held him captive.
surroundingadjectiveUS /sərˈaʊndɪŋ/
closely encircling
From this reading He stood, he saw, in a low vaulted chamber, a score of armed men surrounding him and the two who held him captive.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
The passage at the back of the mouth.
From this reading The occasional clearing of a throat or the shuffle of a foot on the stone flags were the only sounds to break the dead stillness.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading He stood, he saw, in a low vaulted chamber, a score of armed men surrounding him and the two who held him captive.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Narrow shafts ran up into the groining of the roof, against one of which lolled he who had spoken in his ear, and who appeared to be the captain of the party.
vaultedadjectiveUS /ˈvɔːltɪd/
having a hemispherical vault or dome
From this reading He stood, he saw, in a low vaulted chamber, a score of armed men surrounding him and the two who held him captive.
veilsnounUS /veɪlz/
plural of “veil” — a garment that covers the head and face
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The occasional clearing of a throat or the shuffle of a foot on the stone flags were the only sounds to break the dead stillness.
at the time that
From this reading Slowly, as in a theatre, when dark veils are lifted one by one to simulate a gradual dawn, before Brion’s eyes, as they accustomed themselves to the gloom, came into shadowy being the shapes and forms about him.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Narrow shafts ran up into the groining of the roof, against one of which lolled he who had spoken in his ear, and who appeared to be the captain of the party.
which person or people
From this reading He stood, he saw, in a low vaulted chamber, a score of armed men surrounding him and the two who held him captive.
