used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A few weeks later, on a Saturday morning, Jake, with an unfolded telegram in his hand, stood in front of one of the desks at the Immigration Bureau of Ellis Island.
(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 the way to the island he had been in a flurry of joyous anticipation.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A few weeks later, on a Saturday morning, Jake, with an unfolded telegram in his hand, stood in front of one of the desks at the Immigration Bureau of Ellis Island.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He was freshly shaven and clipped, smartly dressed in his best clothes and ball shoes, and, in spite of the sickly expression of shamefacedness and anxiety which distorted his features, he looked younger than usual.
anticipationnounUS /ænˌtɪsəˈpeɪʃən/
an expectation
From this reading All the way to the island he had been in a flurry of joyous anticipation.
(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic
From this reading He was freshly shaven and clipped, smartly dressed in his best clothes and ball shoes, and, in spite of the sickly expression of shamefacedness and anxiety which distorted his features, he looked younger than usual.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A few weeks later, on a Saturday morning, Jake, with an unfolded telegram in his hand, stood in front of one of the desks at the Immigration Bureau of Ellis Island.
attirenounUS /əˈtaɪər/
clothing of a distinctive style or for a particular occasion
From this reading The prospect of meeting his dear wife and child, and, incidentally, of showing off his swell attire to her, had thrown him into a fever of impatience.
round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games
From this reading He was freshly shaven and clipped, smartly dressed in his best clothes and ball shoes, and, in spite of the sickly expression of shamefacedness and anxiety which distorted his features, he looked younger than usual.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading All the way to the island he had been in a flurry of joyous anticipation.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading He was freshly shaven and clipped, smartly dressed in his best clothes and ball shoes, and, in spite of the sickly expression of shamefacedness and anxiety which distorted his features, he looked younger than usual.
BureaunounUS /ˈbjʊroʊ/
an administrative unit of government
From this reading A few weeks later, on a Saturday morning, Jake, with an unfolded telegram in his hand, stood in front of one of the desks at the Immigration Bureau of Ellis Island.
a young person of either sex
From this reading The prospect of meeting his dear wife and child, and, incidentally, of showing off his swell attire to her, had thrown him into a fever of impatience.
clippedadjectiveUS /klɪpt/
cut or trimmed by clipping
From this reading He was freshly shaven and clipped, smartly dressed in his best clothes and ball shoes, and, in spite of the sickly expression of shamefacedness and anxiety which distorted his features, he looked younger than usual.
clothing in general
From this reading He was freshly shaven and clipped, smartly dressed in his best clothes and ball shoes, and, in spite of the sickly expression of shamefacedness and anxiety which distorted his features, he looked younger than usual.
dearly loved
From this reading The prospect of meeting his dear wife and child, and, incidentally, of showing off his swell attire to her, had thrown him into a fever of impatience.
desksnounUS /desks/
plural of “desk” — a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments
From this reading A few weeks later, on a Saturday morning, Jake, with an unfolded telegram in his hand, stood in front of one of the desks at the Immigration Bureau of Ellis Island.
distortedadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɔːrtəd/
so badly formed or out of shape as to be ugly
From this reading He was freshly shaven and clipped, smartly dressed in his best clothes and ball shoes, and, in spite of the sickly expression of shamefacedness and anxiety which distorted his features, he looked younger than usual.
dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination
From this reading He was freshly shaven and clipped, smartly dressed in his best clothes and ball shoes, and, in spite of the sickly expression of shamefacedness and anxiety which distorted his features, he looked younger than usual.
EllisnounUS /ˈelɪs/
plural of “elli” — (Norse mythology) goddess of old age who defeated Thor in a wrestling match
From this reading A few weeks later, on a Saturday morning, Jake, with an unfolded telegram in his hand, stood in front of one of the desks at the Immigration Bureau of Ellis Island.
the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading He was freshly shaven and clipped, smartly dressed in his best clothes and ball shoes, and, in spite of the sickly expression of shamefacedness and anxiety which distorted his features, he looked younger than usual.
plural of “feature” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something
From this reading He was freshly shaven and clipped, smartly dressed in his best clothes and ball shoes, and, in spite of the sickly expression of shamefacedness and anxiety which distorted his features, he looked younger than usual.
a rise in the temperature of the body; frequently a symptom of infection
From this reading The prospect of meeting his dear wife and child, and, incidentally, of showing off his swell attire to her, had thrown him into a fever of impatience.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading A few weeks later, on a Saturday morning, Jake, with an unfolded telegram in his hand, stood in front of one of the desks at the Immigration Bureau of Ellis Island.
flurrynounUS /ˈflɜːri/
a rapid active commotion
From this reading All the way to the island he had been in a flurry of joyous anticipation.
freshlyadverbUS /ˈfreʃli/
very recently
From this reading He was freshly shaven and clipped, smartly dressed in his best clothes and ball shoes, and, in spite of the sickly expression of shamefacedness and anxiety which distorted his features, he looked younger than usual.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading A few weeks later, on a Saturday morning, Jake, with an unfolded telegram in his hand, stood in front of one of the desks at the Immigration Bureau of Ellis Island.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading All the way to the island he had been in a flurry of joyous anticipation.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading A few weeks later, on a Saturday morning, Jake, with an unfolded telegram in his hand, stood in front of one of the desks at the Immigration Bureau of Ellis Island.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was freshly shaven and clipped, smartly dressed in his best clothes and ball shoes, and, in spite of the sickly expression of shamefacedness and anxiety which distorted his features, he looked younger than usual.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The prospect of meeting his dear wife and child, and, incidentally, of showing off his swell attire to her, had thrown him into a fever of impatience.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The prospect of meeting his dear wife and child, and, incidentally, of showing off his swell attire to her, had thrown him into a fever of impatience.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A few weeks later, on a Saturday morning, Jake, with an unfolded telegram in his hand, stood in front of one of the desks at the Immigration Bureau of Ellis Island.
ImmigrationnounUS /ˌɪməˈɡreɪʃən/
migration into a place (especially migration to a country of which you are not a native in order to settle there)
From this reading A few weeks later, on a Saturday morning, Jake, with an unfolded telegram in his hand, stood in front of one of the desks at the Immigration Bureau of Ellis Island.
impatiencenounUS /ˌɪmˈpeɪʃəns/
a lack of patience; irritation with anything that causes delay
From this reading The prospect of meeting his dear wife and child, and, incidentally, of showing off his swell attire to her, had thrown him into a fever of impatience.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A few weeks later, on a Saturday morning, Jake, with an unfolded telegram in his hand, stood in front of one of the desks at the Immigration Bureau of Ellis Island.
incidentallyadverbUS /ˌɪnsɪˈdentəli/
introducing a different topic
From this reading The prospect of meeting his dear wife and child, and, incidentally, of showing off his swell attire to her, had thrown him into a fever of impatience.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The prospect of meeting his dear wife and child, and, incidentally, of showing off his swell attire to her, had thrown him into a fever of impatience.
a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading A few weeks later, on a Saturday morning, Jake, with an unfolded telegram in his hand, stood in front of one of the desks at the Immigration Bureau of Ellis Island.
Jake
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few weeks later, on a Saturday morning, Jake, with an unfolded telegram in his hand, stood in front of one of the desks at the Immigration Bureau of Ellis Island.
joyousadjectiveUS /ˈdʒɔɪəs/
full of or characterized by joy
From this reading All the way to the island he had been in a flurry of joyous anticipation.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading A few weeks later, on a Saturday morning, Jake, with an unfolded telegram in his hand, stood in front of one of the desks at the Immigration Bureau of Ellis Island.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading He was freshly shaven and clipped, smartly dressed in his best clothes and ball shoes, and, in spite of the sickly expression of shamefacedness and anxiety which distorted his features, he looked younger than usual.
a formally arranged gathering
From this reading THE MEETING.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading A few weeks later, on a Saturday morning, Jake, with an unfolded telegram in his hand, stood in front of one of the desks at the Immigration Bureau of Ellis Island.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A few weeks later, on a Saturday morning, Jake, with an unfolded telegram in his hand, stood in front of one of the desks at the Immigration Bureau of Ellis Island.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading The prospect of meeting his dear wife and child, and, incidentally, of showing off his swell attire to her, had thrown him into a fever of impatience.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A few weeks later, on a Saturday morning, Jake, with an unfolded telegram in his hand, stood in front of one of the desks at the Immigration Bureau of Ellis Island.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading A few weeks later, on a Saturday morning, Jake, with an unfolded telegram in his hand, stood in front of one of the desks at the Immigration Bureau of Ellis Island.
the possibility of future success
From this reading The prospect of meeting his dear wife and child, and, incidentally, of showing off his swell attire to her, had thrown him into a fever of impatience.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading A few weeks later, on a Saturday morning, Jake, with an unfolded telegram in his hand, stood in front of one of the desks at the Immigration Bureau of Ellis Island.
shamefacednessnoun
feeling embarrassed about yourself
From this reading He was freshly shaven and clipped, smartly dressed in his best clothes and ball shoes, and, in spite of the sickly expression of shamefacedness and anxiety which distorted his features, he looked younger than usual.
shavenadjectiveUS /ˈʃeɪvən/
having the beard or hair cut off close to the skin
From this reading He was freshly shaven and clipped, smartly dressed in his best clothes and ball shoes, and, in spite of the sickly expression of shamefacedness and anxiety which distorted his features, he looked younger than usual.
a particular situation
From this reading He was freshly shaven and clipped, smartly dressed in his best clothes and ball shoes, and, in spite of the sickly expression of shamefacedness and anxiety which distorted his features, he looked younger than usual.
the display of a motion picture
From this reading The prospect of meeting his dear wife and child, and, incidentally, of showing off his swell attire to her, had thrown him into a fever of impatience.
sicklyadjectiveUS /ˈsɪkli/
unhealthy looking
From this reading He was freshly shaven and clipped, smartly dressed in his best clothes and ball shoes, and, in spite of the sickly expression of shamefacedness and anxiety which distorted his features, he looked younger than usual.
smartlyadverbUS /ˈsmɑːrtli/
in a clever manner
From this reading He was freshly shaven and clipped, smartly dressed in his best clothes and ball shoes, and, in spite of the sickly expression of shamefacedness and anxiety which distorted his features, he looked younger than usual.
feeling a need to see others suffer
From this reading He was freshly shaven and clipped, smartly dressed in his best clothes and ball shoes, and, in spite of the sickly expression of shamefacedness and anxiety which distorted his features, he looked younger than usual.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading A few weeks later, on a Saturday morning, Jake, with an unfolded telegram in his hand, stood in front of one of the desks at the Immigration Bureau of Ellis Island.
swellverbUS /swel/
increase in size, magnitude, number, or intensity
From this reading The prospect of meeting his dear wife and child, and, incidentally, of showing off his swell attire to her, had thrown him into a fever of impatience.
telegramnounUS /ˈteləɡræm/
a message transmitted by telegraph
From this reading A few weeks later, on a Saturday morning, Jake, with an unfolded telegram in his hand, stood in front of one of the desks at the Immigration Bureau of Ellis Island.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading He was freshly shaven and clipped, smartly dressed in his best clothes and ball shoes, and, in spite of the sickly expression of shamefacedness and anxiety which distorted his features, he looked younger than usual.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE MEETING.
caused to fall to the ground
From this reading The prospect of meeting his dear wife and child, and, incidentally, of showing off his swell attire to her, had thrown him into a fever of impatience.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading All the way to the island he had been in a flurry of joyous anticipation.
unfoldedverbUS /ənˈfoʊldɪd/
past form of “unfold” — develop or come to a promising stage
From this reading A few weeks later, on a Saturday morning, Jake, with an unfolded telegram in his hand, stood in front of one of the desks at the Immigration Bureau of Ellis Island.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading He was freshly shaven and clipped, smartly dressed in his best clothes and ball shoes, and, in spite of the sickly expression of shamefacedness and anxiety which distorted his features, he looked younger than usual.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He was freshly shaven and clipped, smartly dressed in his best clothes and ball shoes, and, in spite of the sickly expression of shamefacedness and anxiety which distorted his features, he looked younger than usual.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading All the way to the island he had been in a flurry of joyous anticipation.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading A few weeks later, on a Saturday morning, Jake, with an unfolded telegram in his hand, stood in front of one of the desks at the Immigration Bureau of Ellis Island.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He was freshly shaven and clipped, smartly dressed in his best clothes and ball shoes, and, in spite of the sickly expression of shamefacedness and anxiety which distorted his features, he looked younger than usual.
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading The prospect of meeting his dear wife and child, and, incidentally, of showing off his swell attire to her, had thrown him into a fever of impatience.
in the company of; together with
From this reading A few weeks later, on a Saturday morning, Jake, with an unfolded telegram in his hand, stood in front of one of the desks at the Immigration Bureau of Ellis Island.
used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father
From this reading He was freshly shaven and clipped, smartly dressed in his best clothes and ball shoes, and, in spite of the sickly expression of shamefacedness and anxiety which distorted his features, he looked younger than usual.
