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The Hunchback of Notre-Dame
The Hunchback of Notre-Dame

Chapter XXXVIII

Chapter 38, section 1: DRY LEAF. After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubri
Context Illustration Reading 1/21 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
DRY LEAF.
After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.
This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.
There were no windows to this cellar; no other opening than the entrance, which was low, and closed by an enormous iron door.
Nevertheless, light was not lacking; a furnace had been constructed in the thickness of the wall; a large fire was lighted there, which filled the vault with its crimson reflections and deprived a miserable candle, which stood in one corner, of all radiance.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Hunchback of Notre-Dame

Chapter XXXVIII

Reading 1/21 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
DRY LEAF.
Line 2
After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.
Line 3
This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.
Line 4
There were no windows to this cellar; no other opening than the entrance, which was low, and closed by an enormous iron door.
Line 5
Nevertheless, light was not lacking; a furnace had been constructed in the thickness of the wall; a large fire was lighted there, which filled the vault with its crimson reflections and deprived a miserable candle, which stood in one corner, of all radiance.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.”

Ancient adjective US /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading “This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “Nevertheless, light was not lacking; a furnace had been constructed in the thickness of the wall; a large fire was lighted there, which filled the vault with its crimson reflections and deprived a miserable candle, which stood in one corner, of all radiance.”

Even noun US /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.”

Has auxiliary verb US /hæz/

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading “This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.”

Nevertheless adverb US /ˌnevərðəˈles/

in spite of what has just been said

From this reading “Nevertheless, light was not lacking; a furnace had been constructed in the thickness of the wall; a large fire was lighted there, which filled the vault with its crimson reflections and deprived a miserable candle, which stood in one corner, of all radiance.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.”

Several noun US /ˈseveral/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.”

Still noun US /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.”

Stood noun US /stood/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Nevertheless, light was not lacking; a furnace had been constructed in the thickness of the wall; a large fire was lighted there, which filled the vault with its crimson reflections and deprived a miserable candle, which stood in one corner, of all radiance.”

Those determiner US /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading “This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.”

Through noun US /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.”

Vault noun US /vɔːlt/

a stone room, often below a church, used for burial

From this reading “Nevertheless, light was not lacking; a furnace had been constructed in the thickness of the wall; a large fire was lighted there, which filled the vault with its crimson reflections and deprived a miserable candle, which stood in one corner, of all radiance.”

All words in this reading · 100

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

all

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nevertheless, light was not lacking; a furnace had been constructed in the thickness of the wall; a large fire was lighted there, which filled the vault with its crimson reflections and deprived a miserable candle, which stood in one corner, of all radiance.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading There were no windows to this cellar; no other opening than the entrance, which was low, and closed by an enormous iron door.

ancientadjectiveUS /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

ascending

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Nevertheless, light was not lacking; a furnace had been constructed in the thickness of the wall; a large fire was lighted there, which filled the vault with its crimson reflections and deprived a miserable candle, which stood in one corner, of all radiance.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

candle

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nevertheless, light was not lacking; a furnace had been constructed in the thickness of the wall; a large fire was lighted there, which filled the vault with its crimson reflections and deprived a miserable candle, which stood in one corner, of all radiance.

cellar

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading There were no windows to this cellar; no other opening than the entrance, which was low, and closed by an enormous iron door.

century

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.

chamber

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

circular

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.

closed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading There were no windows to this cellar; no other opening than the entrance, which was low, and closed by an enormous iron door.

constructed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nevertheless, light was not lacking; a furnace had been constructed in the thickness of the wall; a large fire was lighted there, which filled the vault with its crimson reflections and deprived a miserable candle, which stood in one corner, of all radiance.

corner

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nevertheless, light was not lacking; a furnace had been constructed in the thickness of the wall; a large fire was lighted there, which filled the vault with its crimson reflections and deprived a miserable candle, which stood in one corner, of all radiance.

corridors

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

covered

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.

crimson

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nevertheless, light was not lacking; a furnace had been constructed in the thickness of the wall; a large fire was lighted there, which filled the vault with its crimson reflections and deprived a miserable candle, which stood in one corner, of all radiance.

dark

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

deprived

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nevertheless, light was not lacking; a furnace had been constructed in the thickness of the wall; a large fire was lighted there, which filled the vault with its crimson reflections and deprived a miserable candle, which stood in one corner, of all radiance.

descending

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

door

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading There were no windows to this cellar; no other opening than the entrance, which was low, and closed by an enormous iron door.

DRY

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading DRY LEAF.

edifices

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.

enormous

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading There were no windows to this cellar; no other opening than the entrance, which was low, and closed by an enormous iron door.

entrance

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading There were no windows to this cellar; no other opening than the entrance, which was low, and closed by an enormous iron door.

escort

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

Esmeralda

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

evennounUS /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.

filled

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nevertheless, light was not lacking; a furnace had been constructed in the thickness of the wall; a large fire was lighted there, which filled the vault with its crimson reflections and deprived a miserable candle, which stood in one corner, of all radiance.

fire

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nevertheless, light was not lacking; a furnace had been constructed in the thickness of the wall; a large fire was lighted there, which filled the vault with its crimson reflections and deprived a miserable candle, which stood in one corner, of all radiance.

floor

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.

form

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.

furnace

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nevertheless, light was not lacking; a furnace had been constructed in the thickness of the wall; a large fire was lighted there, which filled the vault with its crimson reflections and deprived a miserable candle, which stood in one corner, of all radiance.

gloomy

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.

ground

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Nevertheless, light was not lacking; a furnace had been constructed in the thickness of the wall; a large fire was lighted there, which filled the vault with its crimson reflections and deprived a miserable candle, which stood in one corner, of all radiance.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

iron

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading There were no windows to this cellar; no other opening than the entrance, which was low, and closed by an enormous iron door.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Nevertheless, light was not lacking; a furnace had been constructed in the thickness of the wall; a large fire was lighted there, which filled the vault with its crimson reflections and deprived a miserable candle, which stood in one corner, of all radiance.

La

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

lacking

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nevertheless, light was not lacking; a furnace had been constructed in the thickness of the wall; a large fire was lighted there, which filled the vault with its crimson reflections and deprived a miserable candle, which stood in one corner, of all radiance.

lamps

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

large

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nevertheless, light was not lacking; a furnace had been constructed in the thickness of the wall; a large fire was lighted there, which filled the vault with its crimson reflections and deprived a miserable candle, which stood in one corner, of all radiance.

layer

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.

LEAF

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading DRY LEAF.

light

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nevertheless, light was not lacking; a furnace had been constructed in the thickness of the wall; a large fire was lighted there, which filled the vault with its crimson reflections and deprived a miserable candle, which stood in one corner, of all radiance.

lighted

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

low

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading There were no windows to this cellar; no other opening than the entrance, which was low, and closed by an enormous iron door.

lugubrious

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

midday

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

miserable

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nevertheless, light was not lacking; a furnace had been constructed in the thickness of the wall; a large fire was lighted there, which filled the vault with its crimson reflections and deprived a miserable candle, which stood in one corner, of all radiance.

modern

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.

NeverthelessadverbUS /ˌnevərðəˈles/

in spite of what has just been said

From this reading Nevertheless, light was not lacking; a furnace had been constructed in the thickness of the wall; a large fire was lighted there, which filled the vault with its crimson reflections and deprived a miserable candle, which stood in one corner, of all radiance.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading There were no windows to this cellar; no other opening than the entrance, which was low, and closed by an enormous iron door.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Nevertheless, light was not lacking; a furnace had been constructed in the thickness of the wall; a large fire was lighted there, which filled the vault with its crimson reflections and deprived a miserable candle, which stood in one corner, of all radiance.

occupied

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.

opening

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading There were no windows to this cellar; no other opening than the entrance, which was low, and closed by an enormous iron door.

other

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading There were no windows to this cellar; no other opening than the entrance, which was low, and closed by an enormous iron door.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.

own

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.

Paris

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.

pierce

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.

police

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

radiance

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nevertheless, light was not lacking; a furnace had been constructed in the thickness of the wall; a large fire was lighted there, which filled the vault with its crimson reflections and deprived a miserable candle, which stood in one corner, of all radiance.

reflections

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nevertheless, light was not lacking; a furnace had been constructed in the thickness of the wall; a large fire was lighted there, which filled the vault with its crimson reflections and deprived a miserable candle, which stood in one corner, of all radiance.

several

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

steps

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

stillnounUS /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

stoodnounUS /stood/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Nevertheless, light was not lacking; a furnace had been constructed in the thickness of the wall; a large fire was lighted there, which filled the vault with its crimson reflections and deprived a miserable candle, which stood in one corner, of all radiance.

surrounded

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading There were no windows to this cellar; no other opening than the entrance, which was low, and closed by an enormous iron door.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

There

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading There were no windows to this cellar; no other opening than the entrance, which was low, and closed by an enormous iron door.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

thickness

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nevertheless, light was not lacking; a furnace had been constructed in the thickness of the wall; a large fire was lighted there, which filled the vault with its crimson reflections and deprived a miserable candle, which stood in one corner, of all radiance.

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.

throughnounUS /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.

thrust

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading There were no windows to this cellar; no other opening than the entrance, which was low, and closed by an enormous iron door.

towers

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.

vaultnounUS /vɔːlt/

a stone room, often below a church, used for burial

From this reading Nevertheless, light was not lacking; a furnace had been constructed in the thickness of the wall; a large fire was lighted there, which filled the vault with its crimson reflections and deprived a miserable candle, which stood in one corner, of all radiance.

wall

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nevertheless, light was not lacking; a furnace had been constructed in the thickness of the wall; a large fire was lighted there, which filled the vault with its crimson reflections and deprived a miserable candle, which stood in one corner, of all radiance.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading After ascending and descending several steps in the corridors, which were so dark that they were lighted by lamps at midday, La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.

windows

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading There were no windows to this cellar; no other opening than the entrance, which was low, and closed by an enormous iron door.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading This chamber, circular in form, occupied the ground floor of one of those great towers, which, even in our own century, still pierce through the layer of modern edifices with which modern Paris has covered ancient Paris.