used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The morning broke upon a sight almost beyond imagination.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading Through the darkness none had been able or had cared to see the city save in fragmentary glimpses, caught by the fierce light that flared and fell.
aforetime
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All sectional sights aforetime had been of single streets, of squares, of stray purlieus--but now appeared the wide, sweeping stretch of the myriad roofs, the sturdy strength of brick and steel, the compelling magnitude and silent, massive power of the whole.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading All sectional sights aforetime had been of single streets, of squares, of stray purlieus--but now appeared the wide, sweeping stretch of the myriad roofs, the sturdy strength of brick and steel, the compelling magnitude and silent, massive power of the whole.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading The morning broke upon a sight almost beyond imagination.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Through the darkness none had been able or had cared to see the city save in fragmentary glimpses, caught by the fierce light that flared and fell.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Now, in the gray dawn, the city as a whole appeared beneath a smoky cowl, looking mightier and more austere than ever under the shadow of this dreadful visitation.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Now, in the gray dawn, the city as a whole appeared beneath a smoky cowl, looking mightier and more austere than ever under the shadow of this dreadful visitation.
austereadjectiveUS /ɔːˈstɪr/
severely simple
From this reading Now, in the gray dawn, the city as a whole appeared beneath a smoky cowl, looking mightier and more austere than ever under the shadow of this dreadful visitation.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Through the darkness none had been able or had cared to see the city save in fragmentary glimpses, caught by the fierce light that flared and fell.
Directly under; in or to a lower position than.
From this reading Now, in the gray dawn, the city as a whole appeared beneath a smoky cowl, looking mightier and more austere than ever under the shadow of this dreadful visitation.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading The morning broke upon a sight almost beyond imagination.
bricknounUS /brɪk/
rectangular block of clay baked by the sun or in a kiln; used as a building or paving material
From this reading All sectional sights aforetime had been of single streets, of squares, of stray purlieus--but now appeared the wide, sweeping stretch of the myriad roofs, the sturdy strength of brick and steel, the compelling magnitude and silent, massive power of the whole.
lacking funds
From this reading The morning broke upon a sight almost beyond imagination.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading All sectional sights aforetime had been of single streets, of squares, of stray purlieus--but now appeared the wide, sweeping stretch of the myriad roofs, the sturdy strength of brick and steel, the compelling magnitude and silent, massive power of the whole.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Through the darkness none had been able or had cared to see the city save in fragmentary glimpses, caught by the fierce light that flared and fell.
past form of “care” — feel concern or interest
From this reading Through the darkness none had been able or had cared to see the city save in fragmentary glimpses, caught by the fierce light that flared and fell.
inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading Through the darkness none had been able or had cared to see the city save in fragmentary glimpses, caught by the fierce light that flared and fell.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading Through the darkness none had been able or had cared to see the city save in fragmentary glimpses, caught by the fierce light that flared and fell.
rid of obstructions
From this reading In the north, where all was safe, the sky was fairly clear; but where the fire took its way the smoke haze hung grim and close.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading In the north, where all was safe, the sky was fairly clear; but where the fire took its way the smoke haze hung grim and close.
compellingadjectiveUS /kəmˈpelɪŋ/
driving or forcing
From this reading All sectional sights aforetime had been of single streets, of squares, of stray purlieus--but now appeared the wide, sweeping stretch of the myriad roofs, the sturdy strength of brick and steel, the compelling magnitude and silent, massive power of the whole.
cowlnounUS /kaʊl/
protective covering consisting of a metal part that covers the engine
From this reading Now, in the gray dawn, the city as a whole appeared beneath a smoky cowl, looking mightier and more austere than ever under the shadow of this dreadful visitation.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading Through the darkness none had been able or had cared to see the city save in fragmentary glimpses, caught by the fierce light that flared and fell.
the first light of day
From this reading Now, in the gray dawn, the city as a whole appeared beneath a smoky cowl, looking mightier and more austere than ever under the shadow of this dreadful visitation.
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading Now, in the gray dawn, the city as a whole appeared beneath a smoky cowl, looking mightier and more austere than ever under the shadow of this dreadful visitation.
at any time
From this reading Now, in the gray dawn, the city as a whole appeared beneath a smoky cowl, looking mightier and more austere than ever under the shadow of this dreadful visitation.
to certain extent or degree
From this reading In the north, where all was safe, the sky was fairly clear; but where the fire took its way the smoke haze hung grim and close.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading Through the darkness none had been able or had cared to see the city save in fragmentary glimpses, caught by the fierce light that flared and fell.
marked by extreme and violent energy
From this reading Through the darkness none had been able or had cared to see the city save in fragmentary glimpses, caught by the fierce light that flared and fell.
start firing a weapon
From this reading In the north, where all was safe, the sky was fairly clear; but where the fire took its way the smoke haze hung grim and close.
flaredverbUS /flerd/
past form of “flare” — burn brightly
From this reading Through the darkness none had been able or had cared to see the city save in fragmentary glimpses, caught by the fierce light that flared and fell.
fragmentaryadjectiveUS /ˈfræɡmənteri/
consisting of small disconnected parts
From this reading Through the darkness none had been able or had cared to see the city save in fragmentary glimpses, caught by the fierce light that flared and fell.
glimpsesnounUS /ˈɡlɪmpsɪz/
plural of “glimpse” — a quick look
From this reading Through the darkness none had been able or had cared to see the city save in fragmentary glimpses, caught by the fierce light that flared and fell.
a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black
From this reading Now, in the gray dawn, the city as a whole appeared beneath a smoky cowl, looking mightier and more austere than ever under the shadow of this dreadful visitation.
not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
From this reading In the north, where all was safe, the sky was fairly clear; but where the fire took its way the smoke haze hung grim and close.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Through the darkness none had been able or had cared to see the city save in fragmentary glimpses, caught by the fierce light that flared and fell.
hazenounUS /heɪz/
atmospheric moisture or dust or smoke that causes reduced visibility
From this reading In the north, where all was safe, the sky was fairly clear; but where the fire took its way the smoke haze hung grim and close.
inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging
From this reading In the north, where all was safe, the sky was fairly clear; but where the fire took its way the smoke haze hung grim and close.
the formation of a mental image of something that is not perceived as real and is not present to the senses
From this reading The morning broke upon a sight almost beyond imagination.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Through the darkness none had been able or had cared to see the city save in fragmentary glimpses, caught by the fierce light that flared and fell.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading In the north, where all was safe, the sky was fairly clear; but where the fire took its way the smoke haze hung grim and close.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading Through the darkness none had been able or had cared to see the city save in fragmentary glimpses, caught by the fierce light that flared and fell.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading Now, in the gray dawn, the city as a whole appeared beneath a smoky cowl, looking mightier and more austere than ever under the shadow of this dreadful visitation.
magnitudenounUS /ˈmæɡnətuːd/
the property of relative size or extent (whether large or small)
From this reading All sectional sights aforetime had been of single streets, of squares, of stray purlieus--but now appeared the wide, sweeping stretch of the myriad roofs, the sturdy strength of brick and steel, the compelling magnitude and silent, massive power of the whole.
massiveadjectiveUS /ˈmæsɪv/
imposing in size or bulk or solidity
From this reading All sectional sights aforetime had been of single streets, of squares, of stray purlieus--but now appeared the wide, sweeping stretch of the myriad roofs, the sturdy strength of brick and steel, the compelling magnitude and silent, massive power of the whole.
mightieradjectiveUS /ˈmaɪtiər/
comparative of “mighty” — having or showing great strength or force or intensity
From this reading Now, in the gray dawn, the city as a whole appeared beneath a smoky cowl, looking mightier and more austere than ever under the shadow of this dreadful visitation.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Now, in the gray dawn, the city as a whole appeared beneath a smoky cowl, looking mightier and more austere than ever under the shadow of this dreadful visitation.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading The morning broke upon a sight almost beyond imagination.
myriadnounUS /ˈmɪriəd/
a large indefinite number
From this reading All sectional sights aforetime had been of single streets, of squares, of stray purlieus--but now appeared the wide, sweeping stretch of the myriad roofs, the sturdy strength of brick and steel, the compelling magnitude and silent, massive power of the whole.
not one, and not any
From this reading Through the darkness none had been able or had cared to see the city save in fragmentary glimpses, caught by the fierce light that flared and fell.
the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading In the north, where all was safe, the sky was fairly clear; but where the fire took its way the smoke haze hung grim and close.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Now, in the gray dawn, the city as a whole appeared beneath a smoky cowl, looking mightier and more austere than ever under the shadow of this dreadful visitation.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Now, in the gray dawn, the city as a whole appeared beneath a smoky cowl, looking mightier and more austere than ever under the shadow of this dreadful visitation.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Through the darkness none had been able or had cared to see the city save in fragmentary glimpses, caught by the fierce light that flared and fell.
possession of controlling influence
From this reading All sectional sights aforetime had been of single streets, of squares, of stray purlieus--but now appeared the wide, sweeping stretch of the myriad roofs, the sturdy strength of brick and steel, the compelling magnitude and silent, massive power of the whole.
purlieus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All sectional sights aforetime had been of single streets, of squares, of stray purlieus--but now appeared the wide, sweeping stretch of the myriad roofs, the sturdy strength of brick and steel, the compelling magnitude and silent, massive power of the whole.
roofsnounUS /ruːfs/
plural of “roof” — a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building
From this reading All sectional sights aforetime had been of single streets, of squares, of stray purlieus--but now appeared the wide, sweeping stretch of the myriad roofs, the sturdy strength of brick and steel, the compelling magnitude and silent, massive power of the whole.
free from danger or the risk of harm
From this reading In the north, where all was safe, the sky was fairly clear; but where the fire took its way the smoke haze hung grim and close.
except for; apart from
From this reading Through the darkness none had been able or had cared to see the city save in fragmentary glimpses, caught by the fierce light that flared and fell.
sectionaladjectiveUS /ˈsekʃənəl/
relating to or based upon a section (i.e. as if cut through by an intersecting plane)
From this reading All sectional sights aforetime had been of single streets, of squares, of stray purlieus--but now appeared the wide, sweeping stretch of the myriad roofs, the sturdy strength of brick and steel, the compelling magnitude and silent, massive power of the whole.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Through the darkness none had been able or had cared to see the city save in fragmentary glimpses, caught by the fierce light that flared and fell.
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading Now, in the gray dawn, the city as a whole appeared beneath a smoky cowl, looking mightier and more austere than ever under the shadow of this dreadful visitation.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading The morning broke upon a sight almost beyond imagination.
sightsnounUS /saɪts/
an optical instrument for aiding the eye in aiming, as on a firearm or surveying instrument
From this reading All sectional sights aforetime had been of single streets, of squares, of stray purlieus--but now appeared the wide, sweeping stretch of the myriad roofs, the sturdy strength of brick and steel, the compelling magnitude and silent, massive power of the whole.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading All sectional sights aforetime had been of single streets, of squares, of stray purlieus--but now appeared the wide, sweeping stretch of the myriad roofs, the sturdy strength of brick and steel, the compelling magnitude and silent, massive power of the whole.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading All sectional sights aforetime had been of single streets, of squares, of stray purlieus--but now appeared the wide, sweeping stretch of the myriad roofs, the sturdy strength of brick and steel, the compelling magnitude and silent, massive power of the whole.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading In the north, where all was safe, the sky was fairly clear; but where the fire took its way the smoke haze hung grim and close.
a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas
From this reading In the north, where all was safe, the sky was fairly clear; but where the fire took its way the smoke haze hung grim and close.
smokyadjectiveUS /ˈsmoʊki/
marked by or emitting or filled with smoke
From this reading Now, in the gray dawn, the city as a whole appeared beneath a smoky cowl, looking mightier and more austere than ever under the shadow of this dreadful visitation.
squaresnounUS /skwerz/
plural of “square” — (geometry) a plane rectangle with four equal sides and four right angles; a four-sided regular polygon
From this reading All sectional sights aforetime had been of single streets, of squares, of stray purlieus--but now appeared the wide, sweeping stretch of the myriad roofs, the sturdy strength of brick and steel, the compelling magnitude and silent, massive power of the whole.
an alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon; widely used in construction; mechanical properties can be varied over a wide range
From this reading All sectional sights aforetime had been of single streets, of squares, of stray purlieus--but now appeared the wide, sweeping stretch of the myriad roofs, the sturdy strength of brick and steel, the compelling magnitude and silent, massive power of the whole.
strayverbUS /streɪ/
move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
From this reading All sectional sights aforetime had been of single streets, of squares, of stray purlieus--but now appeared the wide, sweeping stretch of the myriad roofs, the sturdy strength of brick and steel, the compelling magnitude and silent, massive power of the whole.
plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading All sectional sights aforetime had been of single streets, of squares, of stray purlieus--but now appeared the wide, sweeping stretch of the myriad roofs, the sturdy strength of brick and steel, the compelling magnitude and silent, massive power of the whole.
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading All sectional sights aforetime had been of single streets, of squares, of stray purlieus--but now appeared the wide, sweeping stretch of the myriad roofs, the sturdy strength of brick and steel, the compelling magnitude and silent, massive power of the whole.
stretchverbUS /stretʃ/
occupy a large, elongated area
From this reading All sectional sights aforetime had been of single streets, of squares, of stray purlieus--but now appeared the wide, sweeping stretch of the myriad roofs, the sturdy strength of brick and steel, the compelling magnitude and silent, massive power of the whole.
sturdyadjectiveUS /ˈstɜːrdi/
having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships
From this reading All sectional sights aforetime had been of single streets, of squares, of stray purlieus--but now appeared the wide, sweeping stretch of the myriad roofs, the sturdy strength of brick and steel, the compelling magnitude and silent, massive power of the whole.
sweepingadjectiveUS /ˈswiːpɪŋ/
taking in or moving over (or as if over) a wide area; often used in combination
From this reading All sectional sights aforetime had been of single streets, of squares, of stray purlieus--but now appeared the wide, sweeping stretch of the myriad roofs, the sturdy strength of brick and steel, the compelling magnitude and silent, massive power of the whole.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Now, in the gray dawn, the city as a whole appeared beneath a smoky cowl, looking mightier and more austere than ever under the shadow of this dreadful visitation.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Through the darkness none had been able or had cared to see the city save in fragmentary glimpses, caught by the fierce light that flared and fell.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The morning broke upon a sight almost beyond imagination.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Now, in the gray dawn, the city as a whole appeared beneath a smoky cowl, looking mightier and more austere than ever under the shadow of this dreadful visitation.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Through the darkness none had been able or had cared to see the city save in fragmentary glimpses, caught by the fierce light that flared and fell.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Through the darkness none had been able or had cared to see the city save in fragmentary glimpses, caught by the fierce light that flared and fell.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading In the north, where all was safe, the sky was fairly clear; but where the fire took its way the smoke haze hung grim and close.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Now, in the gray dawn, the city as a whole appeared beneath a smoky cowl, looking mightier and more austere than ever under the shadow of this dreadful visitation.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The morning broke upon a sight almost beyond imagination.
visitationnounUS /ˌvɪzɪˈteɪʃən/
an annoying or frustrating or catastrophic event
From this reading Now, in the gray dawn, the city as a whole appeared beneath a smoky cowl, looking mightier and more austere than ever under the shadow of this dreadful visitation.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In the north, where all was safe, the sky was fairly clear; but where the fire took its way the smoke haze hung grim and close.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading In the north, where all was safe, the sky was fairly clear; but where the fire took its way the smoke haze hung grim and close.
in or at the place that
From this reading In the north, where all was safe, the sky was fairly clear; but where the fire took its way the smoke haze hung grim and close.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading Now, in the gray dawn, the city as a whole appeared beneath a smoky cowl, looking mightier and more austere than ever under the shadow of this dreadful visitation.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading All sectional sights aforetime had been of single streets, of squares, of stray purlieus--but now appeared the wide, sweeping stretch of the myriad roofs, the sturdy strength of brick and steel, the compelling magnitude and silent, massive power of the whole.
