sp -abbr
- special
- species
- specific
- spelling
Sp -abbr
- Spain; Spanish
SP -abbr
- shore patrol; shore patrolman; shore police
- specialist
spa ['spä, 'spȯ] -n
- a mineral spring
- a resort with mineral springs
- a fashionable resort or hotel
- soda fountain
- a commercial establishment (as a resort) providing facilities devoted esp. to health, fitness, weight loss, beauty, and relaxation
- a hot tub with a whirlpool device
space ['spās] -n
- a period of time
- its duration
- a limited extent in one, two, or three dimensions : distance, area, volume
- an extent set apart or available
- the distance from other people or things that a person needs in order to remain comfortable
- invading my personal space
- one of the degrees between or above or below the lines of a musical staff
- a boundless three-dimensional extent in which objects and events occur and have relative position and direction
- physical space independent of what occupies it called also absolute space
- the region beyond the earth's atmosphere or beyond the solar system
- a blank area separating words or lines
- material used to produce such blank area
- a piece of type less than one en in width
- a set of mathematical elements and esp. of abstractions of all the points on a line, in a plane, or in physical space
- a set of mathematical entities with a set of axioms of geometric character
- linage
- broadcast time available esp. to advertisers
- accommodations on a public vehicle
- the opportunity to assert or experience one's identity or needs freely
- an opportunity for privacy or time to oneself
- to place at intervals or arrange with space between often used with out
- to leave one or more blank spaces (as in a line of typing)
spaceage ['spās-'āj] -adj
- of, relating to, or befitting the age of space exploration
- modern
space·band [-,band] -n
- a device on a linecaster that provides variable but even spacing between words in a justified line
space cadet -n
- a flaky, lightheaded, or forgetful person
space charge -n
- an electric charge distributed throughout a three-dimensional region
space·craft ['spās-,kraft] -n
- a vehicle or device designed for travel or operation outside the earth's atmosphere
spacedout [,spāst-'au̇t] -adj
- dazed or stupefied by or as if by a narcotic substance : high
- of very strange character : weird
space·flight ['spās-,flīt] -n
- flight beyond the earth's atmosphere
space frame -n
- a usu. open three-dimensional framework of struts and braces (as in buildings and racing cars) which defines a structure and distributes its weight evenly in all directions
space heater -n
- a usu. portable appliance for heating a relatively small area
space heating -n
- heating of spaces esp. for human comfort by any means (as fuel, electricity, or solar radiation) with the heater either within the space or external to it
space lattice -n
- lattice
space·less ['spās-ləs] -adj
- having no limits : boundless
- occupying no space
space·man ['spās-,man, -mən] -n
- one who travels outside the earth's atmosphere
- a visitor to earth from outer space
space mark -n
- the symbol
space medicine -n
- a branch of medicine that deals with the physiological and biological effects on the human body of spaceflight
space opera -n
- a futuristic melodramatic fantasy involving space travelers and extraterrestrial beings
space out -vi
- to become inattentive, distracted, or mentally remote
- spaced out halfway through the lecture
space·port ['spās-,pȯrt] -n
- an installation for testing and launching spacecraft
space·ship [-,ship] -n
- a vehicle used for space travel
space shuttle -n
- a reusable spacecraft designed to transport people and cargo between earth and space
space station -n
- a large artificial satellite designed to be occupied for long periods and to serve as a base (as for scientific observation) called also space platform
space suit -n
- a suit equipped with life supporting provisions to make life in space possible for its wearer
- g suit
spacetime ['spās-'tīm, 'spās-,] -n
- a system of one temporal and three spatial coordinates by which any physical object or event can be located called also space-time continuum
- the whole or a portion of physical reality determinable by a usu. four-dimensional coordinate system
- the properties characteristic of such an order
space walk ['spās-,wȯk] -n, vi
- a period of activity spent outside a spacecraft by an astronaut in space
space·ward ['spās-wərd] -adv
- toward space
spac·ey ['spā-sē] -adj
- spaced-out
spacial ['spā-shəl] -adj, n, adv
(variant of spatial)
- relating to, occupying, or having the character of space
- of or relating to facility in perceiving relations (as of objects) in space
spacing -n
- the act of providing with spaces or placing at intervals
- an arrangement in space
- a limited extent : space
- the distance between any two objects in a usu. regularly arranged series
spa·cious ['spā-shəs] -adj, adv, n
- vast or ample in extent : roomy
- large or magnificent in scale : expansive
- a more spacious and stimulating existence than the farm could offer -- H. L. Mencken
spack·le ['spa-kəl] -vt
- to apply Spackle paste to
Spackle -trademark
- used for a compound that is used as a filler for cracks or holes in a surface
spade ['spād] -n
- a digging implement adapted for being pushed into the ground with the foot
- a spade-shaped instrument
- to dig up or out or shape with or as if with a spade
- to use a spade
- the suit comprising cards marked spades
- a black figure that resembles a stylized spearhead on each playing card of one of the four suits
- a card marked with this figure
- black
spade beard ['spād-'bir-dəd] -n, adj
- an oblong beard with square ends
- a beard rounded off at the top and pointed at the bottom
spade·fish ['spād-,fish] -n
- a laterally compressed bony fish ( Chaetodipterus faberof the family Ephippidae) that resembles the angelfishes and is found in the warmer parts of the western Atlantic
spade·foot toad ['spād-,fu̇t-] -n
- any of a family (Pelobatidae) of burrowing toads having the inner bone of the tarsus edged with a strong horny sheath with which they dig
spade·work [-,wərk] -n
- work done with a spade
- the hard plain preliminary drudgery in an undertaking
spa·dille [spə-'dil, -'dē] -n
- the highest trump in various card games (as ombre)
spa·dix ['spā-diks] -n
- a floral spike with a fleshy or succulent axis usu. enclosed in a spathe
spae ['spā] -vt
- foretell
spaetz·le ['shpet-slə, -sᵊl, -slē also 'shpāt-] -n
- a small dumpling cooked by running batter through a colander into boiling water
spa·ghet·ti [spə-'ge-tē] -n, adj
- pasta made in thin solid strings
- insulating tubing typically of varnished cloth or of plastic for covering bare wire or holding insulated wires together
spa·ghet·ti·ni [spə-,ge-'tē-nē] -n
- a pasta thinner than spaghetti but thicker than vermicelli
spaghetti squash -n
- an oval winter squash ( Cucurbita pepo) with flesh that once cooked is similar in texture to spaghetti
spaghetti strap -n
- a very slender fabric shoulder strap
spaghetti western -n
- a western motion picture produced in Italy
spa·hi ['spä-,hē] -n
- one of a former corps of irregular Turkish cavalry
- one of a former corps of Algerian native cavalry in the French army
spake ['spēk] -vb, adj
(variant of speak)
- to utter words or articulate sounds with the ordinary voice : talk
- to express thoughts, opinions, or feelings orally
- to extend a greeting
- to be friendly enough to engage in conversation
- still were not speak ing after the dispute
- to express oneself before a group
- to address one's remarks
- to make a written statement
- his diaries... spoke ...of his entrancement with death -- Sy Kahn
- to use such an expression often used in the phrase so to speak
- was at the enemy's gates, so to speak -- C. S. Forester
- to serve as spokesperson
- to express feelings by other than verbal means
- actions speak louder than words
- signal
- to be interesting or attractive : appeal
- great music...speak s directly to the emotions -- A. N. Whitehead
- to make a request or claim used with for usu. used in passive constructions
- the seat was already spoken for
- to make a characteristic or natural sound
- all at once the thunder spoke -- George Meredith
- testify
- to be indicative or suggestive
- his gold... spoke of riches in the land -- Julian Dana
- to utter with the speaking voice : pronounce
- to give a recitation of : declaim
- to express orally : declare
- free to speak their minds
- address, accost
- hail
- to make known in writing : state
- to use or be able to use in speaking
- to indicate by other than verbal means
- describe, depict
spall ['spȯl] -n
- a small fragment or chip esp. of stone
- to break up or reduce by or as if by chipping with a hammer
- to break off chips, scales, or slabs : exfoliate
- to undergo spallation
spall·ation [spȯ-'lā-shən] -n
- a nuclear reaction in which light particles are ejected as the result of bombardment (as by high-energy protons)
- the process of spalling
spal·peen [spal-'pēn, spȯl-] -n
- rascal
spam ['spam] -n
- unsolicited usu. commercial e-mail sent to a large number of addresses
- to send spam to
- to send spam
Spam -trademark
- used for a canned meat product
span ['spin] -vb
(variant of spin)
- to draw out and twist fiber into yarn or thread
- to form a thread by extruding a viscous rapidly hardening fluid used esp. of a spider or insect
- to revolve rapidly : gyrate
- to feel as if in a whirl : reel
- to move swiftly esp. on or as if on wheels or in a vehicle
- to fish with spinning bait : troll
- to fall in a spin
- to plunge helplessly and out of control
- to engage in spin control (as in politics)
- to draw out and twist into yarns or threads
- to produce by drawing out and twisting a fibrous material
- to form (as a web or cocoon) by spinning
- to stretch out or extend (as a story) lengthily : protract usu. used with out
- to evolve, express, or fabricate by processes of mind or imagination
- to cause to whirl : impart spin to
- to shape into threadlike form in manufacture
- to manufacture by a whirling process
- to set (records or compact discs) rotating on a player : play
- to present (as information) with a particular spin
- the act of spinning or twirling something
- an instance of spinning or of spinning something
- an assortment of spin s and lobs
- the whirling motion imparted (as to a ball or top) by spinning
- an excursion or ride in a vehicle esp. on wheels
- an aerial maneuver or flight condition consisting of a combination of roll and yaw with the longitudinal axis of the airplane inclined steeply downward
- a plunging descent or downward spiral
- a state of mental confusion
- a quantum characteristic of an elementary particle that is visualized as the rotation of the particle on its axis and that is responsible for measurable angular momentum and magnetic moment
- the angular momentum associated with such rotation whose magnitude is quantized and which may assume either of two possible directions
- the angular momentum of a system of such particles derived from the spins and orbital motions of the particles
- a usu. ingenious twist
- puts an Asian spin on the pasta dishes
- a special point of view, emphasis, or interpretation presented for the purpose of influencing opinion
- put the most favorable spin on the findings
- spin control
spa·na·ko·pi·ta [,spä-nə-'kō-pē-tə, -pi-tə] -n
- a traditional Greek pie of spinach, feta cheese, and seasonings baked in phyllo
span·dex ['span-,deks] -n
- any of various elastic textile fibers made chiefly of polyurethane
- clothing made of this material
span·drel ['span-drəl] -n
- the sometimes ornamented space between the right or left exterior curve of an arch and an enclosing right angle
- the triangular space beneath the string of a stair
spang ['spaŋ] -adv
- to a complete degree
- in an exact or direct manner : squarely
span·gle ['spaŋ-gəl] -n
- a small plate of shining metal or plastic used for ornamentation esp. on clothing
- a small glittering object or particle
spangle ['spaŋ-g(ə-)liŋ] -vb
- to set or sprinkle with or as if with spangles
- to glitter as if covered with spangles : sparkle
Span·glish ['spaŋ-glish, -lish] -n
- Spanish marked by numerous borrowings from English
- any of various combinations of Spanish and English
Span·iard ['span-yərd] -n
- a native or inhabitant of Spain
span·iel ['span-yəl also 'spa-nᵊl] -n
- a member of any of several breeds of small or medium-sized mostly short-legged dogs usu. having long wavy hair, feathered legs and tail, and large drooping ears
- a fawning servile person
Span·ish ['spa-nish] -n, adj
- the Romance language of the largest part of Spain and of the countries colonized by Spaniards
- the people of Spain
Spanish American -n, adj
- a native or inhabitant of one of the countries of America in which Spanish is the national language
- a resident of the U.S. whose native language is Spanish and whose culture is of Spanish origin
Spanish bayonet -n
- any of several yuccas
- one ( Yucca aloifolia) of the southeastern U.S. and West Indies with rigid spine-tipped leaves
Spanish chestnut -n
- the sweet edible nut of a large Mediterranean chestnut ( Castanea sativa) called also marron
- a tree that bears Spanish chestnuts
Spanish fly -n
- a green blister beetle ( Lytta vesicatoria) of southern Europe
- cantharis
Spanish mackerel -n
- a large mackerel ( Scomberomorus maculatus) that is bluish above with oval brown spots on the sides, is found off the Atlantic coast of No. America from Cape Cod to the Yucatan, and is an important food and game fish
Spanish moss -n
- an epiphytic plant ( Tillandsia usneoides) of the pineapple family forming pendent tufts of grayish-green filaments on trees from the southern U.S. to Argentina
Spanish needles -n pl but sing or pl in constr
- any of several bur marigolds
- an annual ( Bidens bipinnata) of No. America and Asia having yellow flowers and dissected leaves
Spanish omelet -n
- an omelet served with a sauce containing chopped green pepper, onion, and tomato
Spanish onion -n
- a large mild-flavored onion typically having yellow or white skin
Spanish rice -n
- rice cooked with onions, green pepper, and tomatoes
spank ['spaŋk] -vt, n
- to strike esp. on the buttocks with the open hand
- to move quickly, dashingly, or spiritedly
- spank ing along in his new car
span·ker ['spaŋ-kər] -n
- the fore-and-aft sail on the mast nearest the stern of a square-rigged ship
- the sail on the mast nearest the stern of a schooner of four or more masts
spank·ing ['spaŋ-kiŋ] -adj
- remarkable of its kind
- being fresh and strong : brisk
spanking -adv
- very
span·ner ['spa-nər] -n
- wrench
- a wrench that has a hole, projection, or hook at one or both ends of the head for engaging with a corresponding device on the object that is to be turned
spannew ['span-'nü, -'nyü] -adj
- brand-new
span·worm ['span-,wərm] -n
- looper
spar ['spär] -n
- a stout pole
- a stout rounded usu. wood or metal piece (as a mast, boom, gaff, or yard) used to support rigging
- any of the main longitudinal members of the wing of an airplane that carry the ribs
- box
- to gesture without landing a blow to draw one's opponent or create an opening
- to engage in a practice or exhibition bout of boxing
- skirmish, wrangle
- to strike or fight with feet or spurs in the manner of a gamecock
- a movement of offense or defense in boxing
- a sparring match or session
- any of various nonmetallic usu. cleavable and lustrous minerals
SPAR ['spär] -n
- a member of the women's reserve of the U.S. Coast Guard
spare ['sper] -vb, adj, n
- to forbear to destroy, punish, or harm
- to refrain from attacking or reprimanding with necessary or salutary severity
- to relieve of the necessity of doing or undergoing something
- spare yourself the trouble
- to refrain from : avoid
- to use or dispense frugally used chiefly in the negative
- to give up as not strictly needed
- do you have any cash to spare
- to have left over or as margin
- to be frugal
- to refrain from doing harm
- not being used
- held for emergency use
- being over and above what is needed : superfluous
- not liberal or profuse : sparing
- healthily lean
- not abundant or plentiful
- a spare tire
- a duplicate (as a key or a machine part) kept in reserve
- the knocking down of all 10 pins with the first 2 balls in a frame in bowling
spare·ribs ['sper-,(r)ibz, -əbz] -n pl
- a cut of pork ribs separated from the bacon strip
sparge ['spärj] -vt, n
- sprinkle, bespatter
- spray
- to agitate (a liquid) by means of compressed air or gas entering through a pipe
sparing -adj, adv
- marked by or practicing careful restraint (as in the use of resources)
- meager, bare
- the map is sparing of information
spark ['spärk] -n
- a small particle of a burning substance thrown out by a body in combustion or remaining when combustion is nearly completed
- a hot glowing particle struck from a larger mass
- one heated by friction
- a luminous disruptive electrical discharge of very short duration between two conductors separated by a gas (as air)
- the discharge in a spark plug
- the mechanism controlling the discharge in a spark plug
- sparkle, flash
- something that sets off a sudden force
- provided the spark that helped the team to rally
- a latent particle capable of growth or developing : germ
- still retains a spark of decency
- a radio operator on a ship
- to throw out sparks
- to flash or fall like sparks
- to produce sparks
- to have the electric ignition working
- to respond with enthusiasm
- to set off in a burst of activity : activate
- the question spark ed a lively discussion
often used with off - to stir to activity : incite
- spark ed her team to victory
- a foppish young man
- lover, beau
- woo, court
spark chamber -n
- a device usu. used to detect the path of a high-energy particle that consists of a series of charged metal plates or wires separated by a gas (as neon) in which observable electric discharges follow the path of the particle
spark gap -n
- a space between two high-potential terminals (as of an induction coil or spark plug) through which pass discharges of electricity
- a device having a spark gap
sparking plug -n
- spark plug
spar·kle ['spär-kəl] -vb, adj
- to throw out sparks
- to give off or reflect bright moving points of light
- to perform brilliantly
- effervesce
- to become lively or animated
- the dialogue sparkle s with wit
- eyes sparkling with anger
- to cause to glitter or shine
sparkle -n
- a little spark : scintillation
- the quality of sparkling
- animation, liveliness
- the quality or state of being effervescent
spar·kler ['spär-klər] -n
- : one that sparkles: as
- diamond
- a firework that throws off brilliant sparks on burning
- sparkling wine
sparkling wine -n
- an effervescent table wine
spark plug ['spärk-,pləg] -n, vt
- a part that fits into the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine and carries two electrodes separated by an air gap across which the current from the ignition system discharges to form the spark for combustion
- one that initiates or gives impetus to an undertaking
sparky ['spär-kē] -adj, adv
- marked by animation : lively
spar·row ['spa-(,)rō] -n, adj
- any of a genus ( Passerof the family Passeridae) of small chiefly brownish or grayish Old World oscine songbirds that include some which have been widely introduced
- house sparrow
- any of numerous finches (family Emberizidae) that are New World birds (as the song sparrow or tree sparrow) resembling the Old World sparrows
sparrow hawk -n
- : any of various small hawks: as
- an Old World accipiter ( Accipiter nisus) that is dark gray to blackish above with the female having a grayish-brown barred underside and the male having a chestnut barred underside
- kestrel
sparse ['spärs] -adj, adv, n
- of few and scattered elements
- not thickly grown or settled
Spar·ta·cist ['spär-tə-sist] -n
- a member of a revolutionary political group organized in Germany in 1918 and advocating extreme socialistic doctrines
Spar·tan ['spär-tᵊn] -n
- a native or inhabitant of ancient Sparta
- a person of great courage and self-discipline
Spartan -adj, adv
- of or relating to Sparta in ancient Greece
- marked by strict self-discipline or self-denial
- marked by simplicity, frugality, or avoidance of luxury and comfort
- laconic
- undaunted by pain or danger
spar·te·ine ['spär-tē-ən, 'spär-,tēn] -n
- a liquid alkaloid C 15H 26N 2extracted from Scotch broom and used in medicine in the form of its sulfate
spar·ti·na ['spär-tə-nə] -n
- cordgrass
spar varnish -n
- an exterior waterproof varnish
spasm ['spa-zəm] -n, vi
- an involuntary and abnormal muscular contraction
- a sudden violent and temporary effort, emotion, or sensation
spas·mod·ic [spaz-'mä-dik] -adj, adv
- relating to or affected or characterized by spasm
- resembling a spasm esp. in sudden violence
- acting or proceeding fitfully : intermittent
- subject to outbursts of emotional excitement : excitable
spas·mo·lyt·ic [,spaz-mə-'li-tik] -adj, n
- tending or having the power to relieve spasms or convulsions
spas·tic ['spas-tik] -adj, adv
- of, relating to, characterized by, or affected with or as if with spasm
- characterized by hypertonic muscles
- spasmodic
spastic -n
- one suffering from spastic paralysis
spastic colon -n
- irritable bowel syndrome
- a colon affected with spasms
spas·tic·i·ty [spa-'sti-sə-tē] -n
- a spastic state or condition
- muscular hypertonicity with increased tendon reflexes
spastic paralysis -n
- paralysis with tonic spasm of the affected muscles and with increased tendon reflexes
spat ['spit] -n
(variant of spit)
- a slender pointed rod for holding meat over a fire
- a small point of land esp. of sand or gravel running into a body of water
- to fix on or as if on a spit : impale
- to eject (as saliva) from the mouth : expectorate
- to express (unpleasant or malicious feelings) by or as if by spitting
- to utter with a spitting sound or scornful expression
- to emit as if by spitting
- to emit (precipitation) in driving particles or in flurries
- to set to burning
- to eject saliva as an expression of aversion or contempt
- to exhibit contempt
- to eject matter (as saliva) from the mouth : expectorate
- to rain or snow slightly or in flurries
- to make a noise suggesting expectoration : sputter
- spittle, saliva
- the act or an instance of spitting
- a frothy secretion exuded by spittlebugs
- spittlebug
- perfect likeness
- a sprinkle of rain or flurry of snow
spate ['spāt] -n
- freshet, flood
- a large number or amount
- a spate of books on gardening
- a sudden or strong outburst : rush
spathe ['spāth] -n
- a sheathing bract or pair of bracts partly enclosing an inflorescence and esp. a spadix on the same axis
- the spathe of the calla lily
spath·u·late ['spath-yə-lət] -adj
- spatulate
- spathulate petals of a flower
spa·tial ['spā-shəl] -adj, n, adv
- relating to, occupying, or having the character of space
- of or relating to facility in perceiving relations (as of objects) in space
spatial summation -n
- sensory summation that involves stimulation of several spatially separated neurons at the same time
spa·tio·tem·po·ral [,spā-shē-ō-'tem-p(ə-)rəl] -adj, adv
- having both spatial and temporal qualities
- of or relating to space-time
spat·ter ['spa-tər] -vb
- to spurt forth in scattered drops
- blood spatter ing everywhere
- to splash with or as if with a liquid
- to soil in this way
- his coat was spatter ed with mud
- to scatter by or as if by splashing
- to cover with or as if with splashes or spots
- to cast aspersions on : defame
spatter -n
- the act or process of spattering : the state of being spattered
- the noise of spattering
- a drop or splash spattered on something or a spot or stain due to spattering
- a small amount or number : sprinkle
spat·ter·dock ['spa-tər-,däk] -n
- any of a genus ( Nuphar) of water lilies having usu. cordate leaves and typically yellow flowers
spat·u·la ['spa-chə-lə, 'spach-lə] -n
- a flat thin implement used esp. for spreading or mixing soft substances, scooping, or lifting
spat·u·late ['spa-chə-lət] -adj
- shaped like a spatula
- spatulate spines of a caterpillar
spatzle ['shpet-slə, -sᵊl, -slē also 'shpāt-] -n
(variant of spaetzle)
- a small dumpling cooked by running batter through a colander into boiling water
spav·in ['spa-vən] -n
- swelling
- a bony enlargement of the hock of a horse associated with strain
spav·ined [-vənd] -adj
- affected with spavin
- old and decrepit : over-the-hill
spawn ['spȯn, 'spän] -vb, n
- to deposit or fertilize spawn
- to produce young esp. in large numbers
- to produce or deposit (eggs) used of an aquatic animal
- to induce (fish) to spawn
- to plant with mushroom spawn
- bring forth, generate
- the idea spawn ed controversy
- the eggs of aquatic animals (as fishes or oysters) that lay many small eggs
- product, offspring
- offspring in great numbers
- the seed, germ, or source of something
- mycelium esp. prepared (as in bricks) for propagating mushrooms
spay ['spā, ÷ 'spād] -vt
- to remove the ovaries and uterus of (a female animal)
spaz ['spaz] -n
- one who is inept : klutz
Spc -abbr
- specialist
SPCA -abbr
- Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
SPCC -abbr
- Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
speak ['spēk] -vb, adj
- to utter words or articulate sounds with the ordinary voice : talk
- to express thoughts, opinions, or feelings orally
- to extend a greeting
- to be friendly enough to engage in conversation
- still were not speak ing after the dispute
- to express oneself before a group
- to address one's remarks
- to make a written statement
- his diaries... spoke ...of his entrancement with death -- Sy Kahn
- to use such an expression often used in the phrase so to speak
- was at the enemy's gates, so to speak -- C. S. Forester
- to serve as spokesperson
- to express feelings by other than verbal means
- actions speak louder than words
- signal
- to be interesting or attractive : appeal
- great music...speak s directly to the emotions -- A. N. Whitehead
- to make a request or claim used with for usu. used in passive constructions
- the seat was already spoken for
- to make a characteristic or natural sound
- all at once the thunder spoke -- George Meredith
- testify
- to be indicative or suggestive
- his gold... spoke of riches in the land -- Julian Dana
- to utter with the speaking voice : pronounce
- to give a recitation of : declaim
- to express orally : declare
- free to speak their minds
- address, accost
- hail
- to make known in writing : state
- to use or be able to use in speaking
- to indicate by other than verbal means
- describe, depict
speak·easy ['spēk-,ē-zē] -n
- a place where alcoholic beverages are illegally sold
- such a place during the period of prohibition in the U.S.
speak·er ['spē-kər] -n
- one that speaks
- one who uses a language
- native speaker s of French
- one who makes a public speech
- one who acts as a spokesperson
- the presiding officer of a deliberative assembly
- Speaker of the House of Representatives
- loudspeaker
speak·er·phone ['spē-kər-,fōn] -n
- a combination microphone and loudspeaker device for two-way communication by telephone lines
speaking -adj
- that speaks : capable of speech
- having a population that speaks a specified language usu. used in combination
- English- speaking countries
- that involves talking or giving speeches
- highly significant or expressive : eloquent
- resembling a living being or a real object
speaking tube -n
- a pipe through which conversation may be conducted (as between different parts of a building)
speakout ['spēk-,au̇t] -n
- an event in which people publicly share their experiences of or views on an issue
speak out -vi
- to speak loud enough to be heard
- to speak boldly : express an opinion frankly
speak up -vi
- to speak loudly and distinctly
- to express an opinion freely
- speak up for truth and justice -- Clive Bell
spean ['spēn] -vt
- wean
spear ['spir] -n
- a thrusting or throwing weapon with long shaft and sharp head or blade
- a sharp-pointed instrument with barbs used in spearing fish
- spearman
- to pierce, strike, or take with or as if with a spear
- spear ed a chop from the platter
- to catch (as a baseball) with a sudden thrust of the arm
- to thrust at or wound something with or as if with a spear
- paternal
- the spear side of the family
- to thrust a spear upward
- a usu. young blade, shoot, or sprout (as of grass)
spearcar·ri·er ['spir-,ka-rē-ər] -n
- a member of an opera chorus
- a bit actor in a play
- a person whose actions are of little significance or value in an event or organization
spear·fish [-,fish] -n
- any of several billfishes (genus Tetrapturus) having the anterior part of the first dorsal fin about as high as the body is deep
spearfish -vi
- to fish with a spear
spear·gun ['spir-,gən] -n
- a gun that shoots a spear and is used in spearfishing
spear·head [-,hed] -n
- the sharp-pointed head of a spear
- a leading element, force, or influence in an undertaking or development
spearhead -vt
- to serve as leader or leading element of
spear·man ['spir-mən] -n
- a person armed with a spear
spear·mint [-,mint, -mənt] -n
- a common mint ( Mentha spicata) grown for flavoring and esp. for its aromatic oil
spearthrow·er [-,thrō-ər] -n
- atlatl
spear·wort [-,wərt, -,wȯrt] -n
- any of several buttercups (esp. Ranunculus flammula) with spear-shaped leaves
spec ['spek] -n
- specification usu. used in pl.
- a single quantity (as a dimension or a measure of performance) describing a product esp. as part of a specification
- speculation
- to write specifications for
- special; specialist
- specifically
spe·cial ['spe-shəl] -adj, n
- distinguished by some unusual quality
- being in some way superior
- held in particular esteem
- readily distinguishable from others of the same category : unique
- they set it apart as a special day of thanksgiving
- of, relating to, or constituting a species : specific
- being other than the usual : additional, extra
- designed for a particular purpose or occasion
special -n
- one that is used for a special service or occasion
- caught the commuter special to work
- something (as a television program) that is not part of a regular series
- a featured dish at a restaurant
special assessment -n
- a specific tax levied on private property to meet the cost of public improvements that enhance the value of the property
special delivery -n
- expedited messenger delivery of mail matter for an extra fee
special district -n
- a political subdivision of a state established to provide a single public service (as water supply or sanitation) within a specific geographic area
special drawing rights -n
- a means of exchange used by governments to settle their international indebtedness
special education -n
- classes or instruction designed for students with special educational needs
special effects -n pl
- visual or sound effects introduced into a motion picture, video recording, or taped television production
Special Forces -n pl
- a branch of the U.S. Army composed of soldiers specially trained in guerrilla warfare
special handling -n
- the handling of parcel-post or mail as first-class but not as special-delivery matter for an extra fee
special interest -n
- a person or group seeking to influence legislative or government policy to further often narrowly defined interests
- lobby
spe·cial·i·sa·tion [,spe-sh(ə-)lə-'zā-shən] -n
(variant of specialization)
- a making or becoming specialized
- structural adaptation of a body part to a particular function or of an organism for life in a particular environment
- a body part or an organism adapted by specialization
spe·cial·ism ['spe-shə-,li-zəm] -n
- specialization in an occupation or branch of learning
- a field of specialization : specialty
spe·cial·ist ['spe-sh(ə-)list] -n, adj
- one who specializes in a particular occupation, practice, or branch of learning
- an enlisted rank in the U.S. Army corresponding to the grade of corporal
- any of several former enlisted ranks corresponding to the grades of sergeant through sergeant major
- an organism (as a bird) specialized esp. in food or habitat
spe·ci·al·i·ty [,spe-shē-'a-lə-tē] -n
- a special mark or quality
- a special object or class of objects
- a special aptitude or skill
- specialty
spe·cial·i·za·tion [,spe-sh(ə-)lə-'zā-shən] -n
- a making or becoming specialized
- structural adaptation of a body part to a particular function or of an organism for life in a particular environment
- a body part or an organism adapted by specialization
spe·cial·ize ['spe-shə-,līz] -vb
- to make particular mention of : particularize
- to apply or direct to a specific end or use
- to concentrate one's efforts in a special activity, field, or practice
- to undergo specialization
- to change adaptively
specialized -adj
- characterized by or exhibiting biological specialization
- highly differentiated esp. in a particular direction or for a particular end
- designed, trained, or fitted for one particular purpose or occupation
Special K -n
- the anesthetic ketamine used illicitly usu. by being inhaled in powdered form esp. for the dreamlike or hallucinogenic state it produces
spe·cial·ly ['spe-sh(ə-)lē] -adv
- in a special manner
- treated her friends specially
- for a special purpose
- dresses made specially for the occasion
- in particular : specifically
- especially
- makes a specially fine curry
- was specially pleased with the gift
special master -n
- master
special needs -n pl, adj
- the individual requirements (as for education) of a person with a disadvantaged background or a mental, emotional, or physical disability or a high risk of developing one
special pleading -n
- the allegation of special or new matter to offset the effect of matter pleaded by the opposite side and admitted, as distinguished from a direct denial of the matter pleaded
- misleading argument that presents one point or phase as if it covered the entire question at issue
special relativity -n
- relativity
special theory of relativity
- relativity
spe·cial·ty ['spe-shəl-tē] -n
- a distinctive mark or quality
- : a special object or class of objects: as
- a legal agreement embodied in a sealed instrument
- a product of a special kind or of special excellence
- fried chicken is my specialty
- the state of being special, distinctive, or peculiar
- something in which one specializes
spe·ci·a·tion [,spē-shē-'ā-shən, -sē-] -n, vi, adj
- the process of biological species formation
spe·cie ['spē-shē, -sē] -n
- money in coin
specie -n
- species
spe·cies ['spē-(,)shēz, -(,)sēz] -n
- kind, sort
- a class of individuals having common attributes and designated by a common name
- a logical division of a genus or more comprehensive class
- confessing sins in species and in number
- the human race : human beings often used with the
- survival of the species in the nuclear age
- a category of biological classification ranking immediately below the genus or subgenus, comprising related organisms or populations potentially capable of interbreeding, and being designated by a binomial that consists of the name of a genus followed by a Latin or latinized uncapitalized noun or adjective agreeing grammatically with the genus name
- an individual or kind belonging to a biological species
- a particular kind of atomic nucleus, atom, molecule, or ion
- the consecrated eucharistic elements of the Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox Eucharist
- a mental image
- a sensible object
- an object of thought correlative with a natural object
species -adj
- belonging to a biological species as distinguished from a horticultural variety
spe·cies·ism ['spē-shēz-,i-zəm, -sēz-] -n
- prejudice or discrimination based on species
- discrimination against animals
- the assumption of human superiority on which speciesism is based
spe·cif·ic [spi-'si-fik] -adj, adv
- constituting or falling into a specifiable category
- sharing or being those properties of something that allow it to be referred to a particular category
- restricted to a particular individual, situation, relation, or effect
- a disease specific to horses
- exerting a distinctive influence (as on a body part or a disease)
- free from ambiguity : accurate
- a specific statement of faith
- of, relating to, or constituting a species and esp. a biological species
- being any of various arbitrary physical constants and esp. one relating a quantitative attribute to unit mass, volume, or area
- imposed at a fixed rate per unit (as of weight or count)
specific -n
- something peculiarly adapted to a purpose or use
- a drug or remedy having a specific mitigating effect on a disease
- used as a specific against malaria
- a characteristic quality or trait
- details, particulars usu. used in pl.
- haggling over the legal and financial specific s of independence -- Time
- specification
spec·i·fi·ca·tion [,spe-sə-fə-'kā-shən, ,spes-fə-] -n
- the act or process of specifying
- a detailed precise presentation of something or of a plan or proposal for something usu. used in pl.
- a statement of legal particulars (as of charges or of contract terms)
- a single item of such statement
- a written description of an invention for which a patent is sought
specific epithet -n
- the Latin or latinized noun or adjective that follows the genus name in a taxonomic binomial
specific gravity -n
- the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of some substance (as pure water) taken as a standard when both densities are obtained by weighing in air
specific heat -n
- the heat in calories required to raise the temperature of one gram of a substance one degree Celsius
specific impulse -n
- the thrust produced per unit rate of consumption of the propellant that is usu. expressed in pounds of thrust per pound of propellant used per second and that is a measure of the efficiency of a rocket engine
spec·i·fic·i·ty [,spe-sə-'fi-sə-tē] -n
- : the quality or condition of being specific: as
- the condition of being peculiar to a particular individual or group of organisms
- host specificity of a parasite
- the condition of participating in or catalyzing only one or a few chemical reactions
- the specificity of an enzyme
specific performance -n
- the performance of a legal contract strictly or substantially according to its terms
- an equitable remedy enjoining specific performance
spec·i·fy ['spe-sə-,fī] -vt, adj, n
- to name or state explicitly or in detail
- to include as an item in a specification
spec·i·men ['spes-mən, 'spe-sə-] -n
- an individual, item, or part considered typical of a group, class, or whole
- a portion or quantity of material for use in testing, examination, or study
- something that obviously belongs to a particular category but is noticed by reason of an individual distinguishing characteristic
- person, individual
- a plant grown for exhibition or in the open to display its full development
spe·cious ['spē-shəs] -adj, adv, n
- showy
- having deceptive attraction or allure
- having a false look of truth or genuineness : sophistic
speck ['spek] -n, adj
- a small discoloration or spot esp. from stain or decay
- a very small amount : bit
- something marked or marred with specks
- to produce specks on or in
speck·le ['spe-kəl] -n
- a little speck (as of color)
speckle [-k(ə-)liŋ] -vt
- to mark with speckles
- to be distributed in or on like speckles
speckled perch -n
- black crappie
speckled trout -n
- brook trout
- spotted sea trout
speckle interferometry -n
- a technique for generating a clear composite image of a celestial object blurred by atmospheric turbulence in which a large number of short-exposure photographs are mathematically correlated by a computer
specs ['speks] -n pl
- glasses
spec·ta·cle ['spek-ti-kəl also -,ti-kəl] -n
- something exhibited to view as unusual, notable, or entertaining
- an eye-catching or dramatic public display
- an object of curiosity or contempt
- made a spectacle of herself
- glasses
- something (as natural markings on an animal) suggesting a pair of glasses
spec·ta·cled [-kəld] -adj
- having or wearing spectacles
- having markings suggesting a pair of spectacles
spectacled bear -n
- a black or dark brown bear ( Tremarctos ornatus) of the Andes mountains with white markings encircling the eyes
spec·tac·u·lar [spek-'ta-kyə-lər, spək-] -adj, adv
- of, relating to, or being a spectacle : striking, sensational
- a spectacular display of fireworks
spectacular -n
- something that is spectacular
- an elaborate film, television, or theatrical production
spec·tate ['spek-,tāt] -vi
- to be present as a spectator (as at a sports event)
spec·ta·tor ['spek-,tā-tər, spek-'] -n, adj
- one who looks on or watches
- a woman's pump usu. having contrasting colors with a perforated design at the toe and sometimes heel
spec·ter ['spek-tər] -n
- a visible disembodied spirit : ghost
- something that haunts or perturbs the mind : phantasm
spec·ti·no·my·cin [,spek-tə-nō-'mī-sᵊn] -n
- a white crystalline broad-spectrum antibiotic C 14H 24N 2O 7produced by a bacterium ( Streptomyces spectabilis) that is used clinically esp. in the form of its hydrochloride to treat gonorrhea
spec·tral ['spek-trəl] -adj, adv
- of, relating to, or suggesting a specter : ghostly
- of, relating to, or made by a spectrum
spectral line -n
- one of a series of linear images formed by a spectrograph or similar instrument and corresponding to a narrow portion of the spectrum of the radiation emitted or absorbed by a particular source
spectro- -comb form
- spectrum
spec·tro·flu·o·rom·e·ter ['spek-(,)trō-,flu̇-'rä-mə-tər, -flȯ-] -n, adj
- a device for measuring and recording fluorescence spectra
spec·tro·gram ['spek-t(r)ə-,gram] -n
- a photograph, image, or diagram of a spectrum
spec·tro·graph [-,graf] -n, adj, adv
- an instrument for dispersing radiation (as electromagnetic radiation or sound waves) into a spectrum and recording or mapping the spectrum
spec·tro·he·lio·gram [,spek-trō-'hē-lē-ə-,gram] -n
- a photograph of the sun that is made by monochromatic light and shows the sun's faculae and prominences
spec·tro·he·lio·graph [-,graf] -n
- an apparatus for making spectroheliograms
spec·tro·he·lio·scope [-'hē-lē-ə-,skōp] -n
- spectroheliograph
- an instrument similar to a spectroheliograph used for visual as distinguished from photographic observations
spec·trom·e·ter [spek-'trä-mə-tər] -n, adj
- an instrument used for measuring wavelengths of light spectra
- any of various analytical instruments in which an emission (as of particles or radiation) is dispersed according to some property (as mass or energy) of the emission and the amount of dispersion is measured
- nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer
spec·tro·pho·tom·e·ter [,spek-trō-fə-'tä-mə-tər] -n, adj, adv
- a photometer for measuring the relative intensities of the light in different parts of a spectrum
spec·tro·scope ['spek-trə-,skōp] -n, adj, adv
- an instrument for forming and examining spectra esp. in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum
spec·tros·co·py [spek-'träs-kə-pē] -n
- the process or technique of using a spectroscope or spectrometer
- the production and investigation of spectra
spec·trum ['spek-trəm] -n
- a continuum of color formed when a beam of white light is dispersed (as by passage through a prism) so that its component wavelengths are arranged in order
- : any of various continua that resemble a color spectrum in consisting of an ordered arrangement by a particular characteristic (as frequency or energy): as
- electromagnetic spectrum
- radio spectrum
- the range of frequencies of sound waves
- mass spectrum
- the representation (as a plot) of a spectrum
- a continuous sequence or range
- a wide spectrum of interests
- opposite ends of the political spectrum
- kinds of organisms associated with a particular situation (as an environment)
- a range of effectiveness against pathogenic organisms
- an antibiotic with a broad spectrum
spec·u·lar ['spe-kyə-lər] -adj, n, adv
- of, relating to, or having the qualities of a mirror
spec·u·late ['spe-kyə-,lāt] -vb, n
- to meditate on or ponder a subject : reflect
- to review something idly or casually and often inconclusively
- to assume a business risk in hope of gain
- to buy or sell in expectation of profiting from market fluctuations
- to take to be true on the basis of insufficient evidence : theorize
- to be curious or doubtful about : wonder
- speculate s whether it will rain all vacation
spec·u·la·tion [,spe-kyə-'lā-shən] -n
- : an act or instance of speculating: as
- assumption of unusual business risk in hopes of obtaining commensurate gain
- a transaction involving such speculation
spec·u·la·tive ['spe-kyə-lə-tiv, -,lā-] -adj, adv
- involving, based on, or constituting intellectual speculation
- theoretical rather than demonstrable
- marked by questioning curiosity
- gave him a speculative glance
- of, relating to, or being a financial speculation
spec·u·lum ['spe-kyə-ləm] -n
- an instrument inserted into a body passage esp. to facilitate visual inspection or medication
- a drawing or table showing the relative positions of all the planets (as in an astrological nativity)
- a patch of color on the secondaries of most ducks and some other birds
SpEd -abbr
- special education
speech ['spēch] -n
- the communication or expression of thoughts in spoken words
- exchange of spoken words : conversation
- something that is spoken : utterance
- a usu. public discourse : address
- language, dialect
- an individual manner or style of speaking
- the power of expressing or communicating thoughts by speaking
speech community -n
- a group of people sharing characteristic patterns of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation
speech form -n
- linguistic form
speech·ify ['spē-chə-,fī] -vi
- to make a speech
speech·less ['spēch-ləs] -adj, adv, n
- unable to speak : dumb
- not speaking : silent
- not capable of being expressed in words
speech·writ·er [-,rī-tər] -n
- a person who writes speeches (as for a politician)
speed ['spēd] -n
- prosperity in an undertaking : success
- the act or state of moving swiftly : swiftness
- : rate of motion: as
- velocity
- the magnitude of a velocity irrespective of direction
- impetus
- swiftness or rate of performance or action : velocity
- the sensitivity of a photographic film, plate, or paper expressed numerically
- the light-gathering power of a lens or optical system
- the time during which a camera shutter is open
- a transmission gear in automotive vehicles or bicycles usu. used in combination
- someone or something that appeals to one's taste
- methamphetamine
- a related stimulant drug and esp. an amphetamine
- to prosper in an undertaking
- get along, fare
- to make haste
- to go or drive at excessive or illegal speed
- to move, work, or take place faster : accelerate
- to cause or help to prosper : aid
- to further the success of
- to cause to move quickly : hasten
- to wish Godspeed to
- to increase the speed of : accelerate
- to send out
speed·ball ['spēd-,bȯl] -n
- a dose of cocaine mixed with heroin or morphine or an amphetamine and usu. taken by injection
- a game which resembles soccer but in which a ball caught in the air may be passed with the hands and in which a score is made by kicking or heading the ball between the goalposts or by a successful forward pass over the goal line
- one that is outstandingly fast
speedball -vi
- to take a speedball esp. by injection
speed·boat [-,bōt] -n
- a fast launch or motorboat
speed bump -n
- a low raised ridge across a roadway (as in a parking lot) to limit vehicle speed
speed dating -n
- an event at which each participant converses individually with all the prospective partners for a few minutes in order to select those with whom dates are desired
speed dial -n, vb
- a telephone function by which a selected stored number can be dialed by pressing only one key
speed freak -n
- one who habitually misuses amphetamines and esp. methamphetamine
speed limit -n
- the maximum or minimum speed permitted by law in a given area under specified circumstances
speedo ['spē-(,)dō] -n
- speedometer
speed of light
- a fundamental physical constant that is the speed at which electromagnetic radiation propagates in a vacuum and that has a value fixed by international convention of 299,792,458 meters per second symbol c
speed·om·e·ter [spi-'dä-mə-tər] -n
- an instrument for indicating speed : tachometer
- an instrument for indicating distance traversed as well as speed of travel
- odometer
speedread·ing ['spēd-,rē-diŋ] -n, vt
- a method of reading rapidly by skimming
speed shop -n
- a shop that sells custom automotive equipment esp. to hot-rodders
speed skating -n
- the sport of racing on skates
speed trap -n
- a stretch of road policed by often concealed officers or devices (as radar) so as to catch speeders
speed·up ['spēd-,əp] -n
- acceleration
- an employer's demand for accelerated output without increased pay
speed·way ['spēd-,wā] -n
- a public road on which fast driving is allowed
- expressway
- a racecourse for automobiles or motorcycles
- a sprint race for motorcycles
speed·well ['spēd-,wel] -n
- a perennial European herb ( Veronica officinalis) of the snapdragon family that is naturalized in No. America and has small bluish flowers in axillary racemes
- veronica
speedy ['spē-dē] -adj, adv, n
- marked by swiftness of motion or action
- prompt
speel ['spēl] -vb
- climb
speer ['spir] -vb
- ask, inquire
spe·le·ol·o·gy [,spē-lē-'ä-lə-jē, ,spe-] -n, adj
- the scientific study or exploration of caves
spell ['spel] -vb
- to read slowly and with difficulty often used with out
- to find out by study : come to understand often used with out
- it requires some pains to spell out those decorations -- F. J. Mather
- to name the letters of in order
- to write or print the letters of in order
- to write or print the letters of in a particular way
- to make up (a word)
- what word do these letters spell
- write
- catnip is spell ed as one word
- to add up to : mean
- crop failure was likely to spell stark famine -- Stringfellow Barr
- to form words with letters
- to spell words in a certain way
- spell s the way he speaks
- a spoken word or form of words held to have magic power
- a state of enchantment
- a strong compelling influence or attraction
- to put under a spell
- a shift of workers
- one's turn at work
- a period spent in a job or occupation
- a period of rest from work, activity, or use
- an indeterminate period of time
- waited a spell before advancing
- a continuous period of time
- a stretch of a specified type of weather
- a period of bodily or mental distress or disorder
- to take the place of for a time : relieve
- we spell each other every two hours
- rest
- to work in turns
- to rest from an activity for a time
spell·bind ['spel-,bīnd] -vt
- to bind or hold by or as if by a spell
spell·bind·er [-,bīn-dər] -n
- a speaker of compelling eloquence
- one that compels attention
spell·bind·ing [-,bīn-diŋ] -adj, adv
- holding the attention as if by a spell
spell·bound [-,bau̇nd] -adj
- held by or as if by a spell
spellchecker ['spel-,chek] -n, vb
- a computer program that identifies possible misspellings in a block of text by comparing the text with a database of accepted spellings called also spell-check spelling checker
spell·er ['spe-lər] -n
- a person who spells words esp. in a certain way
- a book with exercises for teaching spelling
spelling -n
- the forming of words from letters according to accepted usage : orthography
- a sequence of letters composing a word
- the way in which a word is spelled
spelling bee -n
- a spelling contest in which contestants are eliminated as soon as they misspell a word
spelling pronunciation -n
- a pronunciation of a word that is based on its spelling alone and often includes the vocalization of silent letters
spell out -vt
- to make plain
- spelled out the orders in detail
- to write or print in letters and in full
- numbers are to be spelled out
spelt ['spelt] -n
- an ancient wheat ( Triticum speltasyn. T. aestivum spelta) with spikelets containing two light red grains
- the grain of spelt
spelt ['spel] -vb
(variant of spell)
- to read slowly and with difficulty often used with out
- to find out by study : come to understand often used with out
- it requires some pains to spell out those decorations -- F. J. Mather
- to name the letters of in order
- to write or print the letters of in order
- to write or print the letters of in a particular way
- to make up (a word)
- what word do these letters spell
- write
- catnip is spell ed as one word
- to add up to : mean
- crop failure was likely to spell stark famine -- Stringfellow Barr
- to form words with letters
- to spell words in a certain way
- spell s the way he speaks
- a spoken word or form of words held to have magic power
- a state of enchantment
- a strong compelling influence or attraction
- to put under a spell
- a shift of workers
- one's turn at work
- a period spent in a job or occupation
- a period of rest from work, activity, or use
- an indeterminate period of time
- waited a spell before advancing
- a continuous period of time
- a stretch of a specified type of weather
- a period of bodily or mental distress or disorder
- to take the place of for a time : relieve
- we spell each other every two hours
- rest
- to work in turns
- to rest from an activity for a time
spel·ter ['spel-tər] -n
- zinc
- zinc cast in slabs for commercial use
spe·lunk·er [spi-'ləŋ-kər, 'spē-,] -n
- one who makes a hobby of exploring and studying caves
spe·lunk·ing [-kiŋ] -n
- the hobby or practice of exploring caves
spence ['spen(t)s] -n
- pantry
spen·cer ['spen(t)-sər] -n
- a short waist-length jacket
spencer -n
- a trysail abaft the foremast or mainmast
Spen·ce·ri·an [spen-'sir-ē-ən] -adj
- of or relating to a form of slanting handwriting
Spen·ce·ri·an·ism [spen-'sir-ē-ə-,ni-zəm] -n
- the synthetic philosophy of Herbert Spencer that has as its central idea the mechanistic evolution of the cosmos from relative simplicity to relative complexity
spend ['spend] -vb, adj, n
- to use up or pay out : expend
- exhaust, wear out
- the hurricane gradually spent itself
- to consume wastefully : squander
- the waters are not ours to spend -- J. R. Ellis
- to cause or permit to elapse : pass
- give up, sacrifice
- to expend or waste wealth or strength
- to become expended or consumed
- to have an orgasm
spending money -n
- pocket money
spend·thrift ['spen(d)-,thrift] -n, adj
- a person who spends improvidently or wastefully
spendy ['spen-dē] -adj
- expensive
Spen·gle·ri·an [,shpeŋ-'glir-ē-ən, ,speŋ-, -'lir-] -adj, n
- of or relating to the theory of world history developed by Oswald Spengler which holds that all major cultures undergo similar cyclical developments from birth to maturity to decay
Spen·se·ri·an stanza [spen-'sir-ē-ən-] -n
- a stanza consisting of eight verses of iambic pentameter and an alexandrine with a rhyme scheme ababbcbcc
spent ['spent] -adj
- used up : consumed
- exhausted of active or required components or qualities often for a particular purpose
- drained of energy or effectiveness : exhausted
- exhausted of spawn or sperm
sperm ['spərm] -n
- semen
- a male gamete
- spermatozoon
- a product of the sperm whale
sperm- -comb form
- seed : germ : sperm
sper·ma·ce·ti [,spər-mə-'sē-tē, -'se-] -n
- a waxy solid obtained from the oil of cetaceans and esp. from a closed cavity in the heads of sperm whales and used esp. formerly in ointments, cosmetics, and candles
sper·ma·go·ni·um [,spər-mə-'gō-nē-əm] -n
- a flask-shaped or depressed receptacle in which spermatia are produced in some fungi and lichens
sper·ma·ry ['spər-mə-rē, 'spərm-rē] -n
- an organ in which male gametes are developed
spermat- -comb form
- seed : spermatozoon
sper·ma·the·ca [,spər-mə-'thē-kə] -n
- a sac for sperm storage in the female reproductive tract of various lower animals and esp. insects
sper·mat·ic [(,)spər-'ma-tik] -adj
- relating to sperm or a spermary
- resembling, carrying, or full of sperm
spermatic cord -n
- a cord that suspends the testis within the scrotum and contains the vas deferens and vessels and nerves of the testis
sper·ma·tid ['spər-mə-təd] -n
- one of the haploid cells that are formed by the second division in meiosis of a spermatocyte and that differentiate into spermatozoa
sper·ma·ti·um [(,)spər-'mā-sh(ē-)əm] -n, adj
- a nonmotile male gamete of a red alga
- a nonmotile cell functioning as a male gamete in certain fungi and lichens
sper·mato·cyte [(,)spər-'ma-tə-,sīt] -n
- a cell giving rise to sperm cells
- a cell that is derived by mitosis from a spermatogonium and ultimately gives rise by meiosis to four haploid spermatids
sper·mato·gen·e·sis [(,)spər-,ma-tə-'je-nə-səs] -n, adj
- the process of male gamete formation including formation of a spermatocyte from a spermatogonium, meiotic division of the spermatocyte, and transformation of the four resulting spermatids into spermatozoa
sper·mato·go·ni·um [-'gō-nē-əm] -n, adj
- a primitive male germ cell
sper·mato·phore [(,)spər-'ma-tə-,fȯr] -n
- a capsule, packet, or mass enclosing spermatozoa that is extruded by the male of various lower animals (as insects) and is transferred to the reproductive tract of the female
sper·mato·phyte [-,fīt] -n, adj
- any of a group (Spermatophyta) of higher plants comprising those that produce seeds and including the gymnosperms and angiosperms
sper·ma·to·zo·an [(,)spər-,ma-tə-'zō-ən, ,spər-mə-tə-] -n, adj
- spermatozoon
sper·ma·to·zo·id [-'zō-əd] -n
- a motile male gamete of a plant usu. produced in an antheridium
sper·ma·to·zo·on [-'zō-,än, -'zō-ən] -n, adj
- a motile male gamete of an animal usu. with rounded or elongate head and a long posterior flagellum
- spermatozoid
sperm cell -n
- sperm
sper·mi·cide ['spər-mə-,sīd] -n, adj
- a preparation or substance (as nonoxynol-9) used to kill sperm
sper·mio·gen·e·sis [,spər-mē-ō-'je-nə-səs] -n
- spermatogenesis
- transformation of a spermatid into a spermatozoon
sperm nucleus -n
- either of two nuclei that derive from the generative nucleus of a pollen grain and function in the fertilization of a seed plant
sperm oil -n
- a pale yellow oil from the sperm whale
sper·mo·phile ['spər-mə-,fī(-ə)l] -n
- ground squirrel
sperm whale ['spərm-] -n
- a large toothed whale ( Physeter macrocephalussyn. P. catodon) with a massive squarish head having a large closed cavity containing a fluid mixture of spermaceti and oil
sper·ry·lite ['sper-i-,līt] -n
- a mineral consisting of an arsenide of platinum
spes·sar·tite ['spe-sər-,tīt] -n
- a manganese aluminum garnet usu. containing other elements (as iron) in minor amounts
spew ['spyü] -vb, n
- vomit
- to come forth in a flood or gush
- to ooze out as if under pressure : exude
- vomit
- to send or cast forth with vigor or violence or in great quantity
- a volcano spew ing out ash
often used with out - matter that is vomited : vomit
- material that exudes or is extruded
SPF -abbr
- sun protection factor
sp gr -abbr
- specific gravity
sphag·nous ['sfag-nəs] -adj
- of, relating to, or abounding in sphagnum
sphag·num ['sfag-nəm] -n
- any of an order (Sphagnales, containing a single genus Sphagnum) of atypical mosses that grow only in wet acid areas where their remains become compacted with other plant debris to form peat
- a mass of sphagnum plants
sphal·er·ite ['sfa-lə-,rīt] -n
- a mineral composed essentially of zinc sulfide that is the most important ore of zinc called also zinc blende
sphene ['sfēn] -n
- a mineral that is a silicate of calcium and titanium and often contains other elements
sphen·odon ['sfē-nə-,dän, 'sfe-] -n, adj
- tuatara
sphe·noid ['sfē-,nȯid] -adj
- of, relating to, or being a winged compound bone of the base of the cranium
- having a wedged shape
sphenoid -n
- a sphenoid bone
sphe·nop·sid [sfi-'näp-səd] -n
- any of a class or division (Sphenopsida or Sphenophyta) of primitive vascular plants characterized by jointed ribbed stems, small leaves usu. in whorls at distinct stem nodes, and sporangia in sporangiophores and made up of the horsetails and extinct related forms
spher- -comb form
- sphere
spher·al ['sfir-əl] -adj
- spherical
- of or relating to the spheres of ancient astronomy
sphere ['sfir] -n, adj
- the apparent surface of the heavens of which half forms the dome of the visible sky
- any of the concentric and eccentric revolving spherical transparent shells in which according to ancient astronomy stars, sun, planets, and moon are set
- a globe depicting such a sphere
- globe
- a globular body : ball
- planet, star
- a solid that is bounded by a surface consisting of all points at a given distance from a point constituting its center
- the bounding surface of a sphere
- natural, normal, or proper place
- social order or rank
- not in the same sphere as his moneyed friends
- orbit
- an area or range over or within which someone or something acts, exists, or has influence or significance
- to place in a sphere or among the spheres : ensphere
- to form into a sphere
sphere of influence
- a territorial area within which the political influence or the interests of one nation are held to be more or less paramount
spher·i·cal ['sfir-i-kəl, 'sfer-] -adj, adv
- having the form of a sphere or of one of its segments
- relating to or dealing with a sphere or its properties
spherical aberration -n
- aberration that is caused by the spherical form of a lens or mirror and that gives different foci for central and marginal rays
spherical angle -n
- the angle between two intersecting arcs of great circles of a sphere measured by the plane angle formed by the tangents to the arcs at the point of intersection
spherical coordinate -n
- one of three coordinates that are used to locate a point in space and that comprise the radius of the sphere on which the point lies in a system of concentric spheres, the angle formed by the point, the center, and a given axis of the sphere, and the angle between the plane of the first angle and a reference plane through the given axis of the sphere
spherical geometry -n
- the geometry of figures on a sphere
spherical polygon -n
- a figure analogous to a plane polygon that is formed on a sphere by arcs of great circles
spherical triangle -n
- a spherical polygon of three sides
spherical trigonometry -n
- trigonometry applied to spherical triangles and polygons
spher·oid ['sfir-,ȯid, 'sfer-] -n, adj, adv
- a figure resembling a sphere
- an object of approximately spherical shape
sphe·rom·e·ter [sfir-'ä-mə-tər] -n
- an instrument for measuring the curvature of a surface
sphe·ro·plast ['sfir-ə-,plast, 'sfer-] -n
- a bacterium or yeast cell that is modified (as by enzymatic action) so that there is partial loss of the cell wall and increased osmotic sensitivity
spher·ule ['sfir-ül, 'sfer-, -,yül] -n
- a little sphere or spherical body
spher·u·lite ['sfir-yə-,līt, 'sfer-, -ə-,līt] -n, adj
- a usu. spherical crystalline body of radiating crystal fibers often found in vitreous volcanic rocks
sphery ['sfir-ē] -adj
- of, relating to, or suggestive of the celestial bodies
- round, spherical
sphinc·ter ['sfiŋ(k)-tər] -n, adj
- an annular muscle surrounding and able to contract or close a bodily opening
sphin·gid ['sfin-jəd] -n
- hawk moth
sphin·go·sine ['sfiŋ-gə-,sēn] -n
- a long-chain unsaturated amino alcohol C 18H 37O 2N found esp. in nervous tissue and cell membranes
sphinx ['sfiŋ(k)s] -n, adj
- a winged female monster in Greek mythology having a woman's head and a lion's body and noted for killing anyone unable to answer its riddle
- an enigmatic or mysterious person
- she is a sphinx whose features hold a blank fascination
- an ancient Egyptian image in the form of a recumbent lion having a man's head, a ram's head, or a hawk's head
sphinx moth -n
- hawk moth
sp ht -abbr
- specific heat
sphyg·mo·graph ['sfig-mə-,graf] -n
- an instrument that records graphically the movements or character of the pulse
sphyg·mo·ma·nom·e·ter [,sfig-mō-mə-'nä-mə-tər] -n
- an instrument for measuring blood pressure and esp. arterial blood pressure
sphynx ['sfiŋ(k)s] -n
- any of a breed of large-eared virtually hairless cats that originated as a spontaneous mutation
spic ['spik] -n
- spanish american
spi·ca ['spī-kə] -n
- a bandage that is applied in successive V-shaped crossings and is used to immobilize a limb esp. at a joint
Spi·ca ['spī-kə] -n
- a star of the first magnitude in the constellation Virgo
spi·cate ['spī-,kāt] -adj
- arranged in the form of a spike
spic·ca·to [spi-'kä-(,)tō] -adj
- performed with a slight lifting of the bow after each note used as a direction in music
spiccato -n
- a spiccato technique, performance, or passage
spice ['spīs] -n, adj
- any of various aromatic vegetable products (as pepper or nutmeg) used to season or flavor foods
- a small portion, quantity, or admixture : dash
- something that gives zest or relish
- variety's the very spice of life -- William Cowper
- a pungent or fragrant odor : perfume
- to season with spices
- to add zest or relish to
- cynicism spiced with humor -- J. W. Dawson
often used with up
spice·bush ['spīs-,bu̇sh] -n
- an aromatic shrub ( Lindera benzoin) of the laurel family found chiefly in the eastern U.S. that bears dense clusters of small greenish-yellow flowers followed by usu. scarlet berries
spic·ery ['spī-sə-rē, 'spīs-rē] -n
- spices
- a repository of spices
- a spicy quality
spickandspan [,spik-ən(d)-'span, ,spik-ᵊŋ-] -adj
- fresh, brand-new
- spotlessly clean
spic·ule ['spi-(,)kyül] -n, adj
- a slender pointed usu. hard body
- one of the minute calcareous or siliceous bodies that support the tissue of various invertebrates (as sponges)
- a spikelike short-lived prominence appearing close to the chromosphere of the solar atmosphere
spicy ['spī-sē] -adj, adv, n
- having the quality, flavor, or fragrance of spice
- producing or abounding in spices
- lively, spirited
- piquant, racy
- somewhat scandalous or salacious
spi·der ['spī-dər] -n, adj
- any of an order (Araneae syn. Araneida) of arachnids having the abdomen usu. unsegmented and constricted at the base, chelicerae modified into poison fangs, and two or more pairs of abdominal spinnerets for spinning threads of silk for various uses (as in making cocoons for their eggs or webs to catch prey)
- a cast-iron frying pan orig. made with short feet to stand among coals on the hearth
- any of various devices consisting of a frame or skeleton with radiating arms or members
spider crab -n
- any of a family (Majidae) of crabs with extremely long legs and nearly triangular bodies which they often cover with kelp
spider mite -n
- any of various small web-spinning mites (family Tetranychidae) that include destructive pests of plants called also red spider
spider monkey -n
- any of a genus ( Ateles) of New World monkeys with long slender limbs, the thumb absent or rudimentary, and a very long prehensile tail
spider plant -n
- any of several cultivars of a southern African plant ( Chlorophytum comosum) of the lily family widely grown as houseplants and having long narrow green leaves usu. striped with white or ivory and producing white flowers and tufts of plantlets on long hanging stems
spider vein -n
- a telangiectasia (as of the legs or face) often appearing as a central area with outward radiations resembling the legs of a spider
spi·der·web ['spī-dər-,web] -n
- the network of silken thread spun by most spiders and used as a resting place and as a trap for small prey
- something that resembles or suggests a spiderweb
spi·der·wort [-,wərt, -,wȯrt] -n
- any of a genus ( Tradescantiaof the family Commelinaceae, the spiderwort family) of American monocotyledonous plants with ephemeral often blue or violet flowers
spi·dery ['spī-də-rē] -adj
- resembling a spider in form or manner
- resembling a spiderweb
- composed of fine threads or lines in a weblike arrangement
- infested with spiders
spie·gel·ei·sen ['spē-gə-,lī-zᵊn] -n
- a composition of iron that contains 15 to 30 percent manganese and 4.5 to 6.5 percent carbon
spiel ['spēl] -vb, n
- to play music
- to talk volubly or extravagantly
- to utter, express, or describe volubly or extravagantly
- a voluble line of often extravagant talk : pitch
spi·er ['spī(-ə)r] -n
- spy
spier ['spir] -vb
(variant of speer)
- ask, inquire
spiff ['spif] -vb, adj
- spruce usu. used with up
spiffy ['spi-fē] -adj, adv, n
- fine looking : smart
spig·ot ['spi-gət, -kət] -n
- spile
- the plug of a faucet or cock
- faucet
- something resembling a spigot esp. in regulating availability or flow (as of money)
spike ['spīk] -n, adj
- a very large nail
- one of a row of pointed irons placed (as on the top of a wall) to prevent passage
- one of several metal projections set in the sole and heel of a shoe to improve traction
- a pair of shoes having spikes attached to the soles or soles and heels
- spindle
- : something resembling a spike: as
- a young mackerel not over six inches (15.2 centimeters) long
- an unbranched antler of a young deer
- spike heel
- the act or an instance of spiking (as in volleyball)
- a pointed element in a graph or tracing
- an unusually high and sharply defined maximum (as of amplitude in a wave train)
- hypodermic needle
- a momentary sharp increase and fall in electric potential
- action potential
- an abrupt sharp increase (as in prices or rates)
- to fasten or furnish with spikes
- to disable (a muzzle-loading cannon) temporarily by driving a spike into the vent
- to suppress or block completely
- to pierce or impale with or on a spike
- to reject (as a story) for publication or broadcast for editorial reasons
- to add an alcoholic beverage to (a drink)
- to add a foreign substance to
- spike the coffee with tranquilizers
- to add something highly reactive (as a radioactive tracer) to
- to add vitality, zest, or spice to : liven
- spiked the speech with humor
- spike the broth with peppers
- to drive (as a volleyball) sharply downward with a hard blow
- to throw down sharply
- spiked the ball in the end zone
- to undergo a sudden sharp increase in (temperature or fever)
- the patient spiked a fever of 103
- to increase sharply
- battery sales spiked after the storm
- an ear of grain
- an elongated inflorescence similar to a raceme but having the flowers sessile on the main axis
spiked ['spīkt, 'spī-kəd] -adj
- having an inflorescence that is a spike
- having a sharp projecting point
- arranged in stiff tufts
spike heel -n
- a very high tapering heel used on women's shoes
- shoes with spike heels
spike lavender ['spīk-] -n
- a European mint ( Lavandula latifolia) related to true lavender
spike·let ['spī-klət] -n
- a small or secondary spike
- one of the small few-flowered bracted spikes that make up the compound inflorescence of a grass or sedge
spike·nard ['spīk-,närd] -n
- a fragrant ointment of the ancients
- a Himalayan aromatic plant ( Nardostachys jatamansi) of the valerian family from which spikenard is believed to have been derived
- a No. American perennial herb ( Aralia racemosa) of the ginseng family with an aromatic root and panicled umbels
spiketooth harrow ['spīk-'tüth-] -n
- a harrow with straight steel teeth set in horizontal bars
spiky ['spī-kē] -adj, adv, n
- of, relating to, or characterized by spikes
- sharply irritating or acerbic (as in temper or manner)
spile ['spī(-ə)l] -n
- pile
- a small plug used to stop the vent of a cask : bung
- a spout inserted in a tree to draw off sap
- to plug with a spile
- to supply with a spile
spill ['spil] -vb, adj, n
- kill, destroy
- to cause (blood) to be lost by wounding
- to cause or allow esp. accidentally or unintentionally to fall, flow, or run out so as to be lost or wasted
- to relieve (a sail) from the pressure of the wind so as to reef or furl it
- to relieve the pressure of (wind) on a sail by coming about or by adjusting the sail with lines
- to throw off or out
- to let out : divulge
- to flow, run, or fall out, over, or off and become wasted, scattered, or lost
- water spill ing over the dam
- to cause or allow something to spill
- to spread profusely or beyond bounds
- crowds spill ed into the streets
- to fall from one's place (as on a horse)
- the act or an instance of spilling
- a fall from a horse or vehicle or an erect position
- something spilled
- a wooden splinter
- a small roll or twist of paper or slip of wood for lighting a fire
spill·age ['spi-lij] -n
- the act or process of spilling
- the quantity that spills : material lost or scattered by spilling
spil·li·kin ['spi-li-kən] -n
- jackstraw
- jackstraw
spill·over ['spil-,ō-vər] -n
- the act or an instance of spilling over
- a quantity that spills over
- an extension of something esp. when an excess exists
- benefiting from a spillover of prosperity from neighboring states
spill·way [-,wā] -n
- a passage for surplus water to run over or around an obstruction (as a dam)
spilth ['spilth] -n
- the act or an instance of spilling
- something spilled
- refuse, rubbish
spin ['spin] -vb
- to draw out and twist fiber into yarn or thread
- to form a thread by extruding a viscous rapidly hardening fluid used esp. of a spider or insect
- to revolve rapidly : gyrate
- to feel as if in a whirl : reel
- to move swiftly esp. on or as if on wheels or in a vehicle
- to fish with spinning bait : troll
- to fall in a spin
- to plunge helplessly and out of control
- to engage in spin control (as in politics)
- to draw out and twist into yarns or threads
- to produce by drawing out and twisting a fibrous material
- to form (as a web or cocoon) by spinning
- to stretch out or extend (as a story) lengthily : protract usu. used with out
- to evolve, express, or fabricate by processes of mind or imagination
- to cause to whirl : impart spin to
- to shape into threadlike form in manufacture
- to manufacture by a whirling process
- to set (records or compact discs) rotating on a player : play
- to present (as information) with a particular spin
- the act of spinning or twirling something
- an instance of spinning or of spinning something
- an assortment of spin s and lobs
- the whirling motion imparted (as to a ball or top) by spinning
- an excursion or ride in a vehicle esp. on wheels
- an aerial maneuver or flight condition consisting of a combination of roll and yaw with the longitudinal axis of the airplane inclined steeply downward
- a plunging descent or downward spiral
- a state of mental confusion
- a quantum characteristic of an elementary particle that is visualized as the rotation of the particle on its axis and that is responsible for measurable angular momentum and magnetic moment
- the angular momentum associated with such rotation whose magnitude is quantized and which may assume either of two possible directions
- the angular momentum of a system of such particles derived from the spins and orbital motions of the particles
- a usu. ingenious twist
- puts an Asian spin on the pasta dishes
- a special point of view, emphasis, or interpretation presented for the purpose of influencing opinion
- put the most favorable spin on the findings
- spin control
spi·na bi·fi·da [,spī-nə-'bi-fə-də] -n
- a congenital cleft of the spinal column with hernial protrusion of the meninges and sometimes the spinal cord
spin·ach ['spi-nich] -n, adj
- an Asian herb ( Spinacia oleracea) of the goosefoot family cultivated for its edible leaves which form in a dense basal rosette
- its leaves
- something unwanted, pretentious, or spurious
- an untidy overgrowth
spi·nal ['spī-nᵊl] -adj
- of, relating to, or situated near the spinal column
- of, relating to, or affecting the spinal cord
- having the spinal cord functionally isolated (as by surgical section) from the brain
- experiments on spinal animals
- of, relating to, or resembling a spine
spinal -n
- a spinal anesthetic
spinal canal -n
- vertebral canal
spinal column -n
- the axial skeleton of a vertebrate that consists of an articulated series of vertebrae which extend from the neck to the tail and protect the spinal cord called also backbone
spinal cord -n
- the cord of nervous tissue that extends from the brain lengthwise along the back in the vertebral canal, gives off the pairs of spinal nerves, carries impulses to and from the brain, and serves as a center for initiating and coordinating many reflex acts
spinal ganglion -n
- a ganglion on the dorsal root of each spinal nerve that is one of a series of ganglia lodging cell bodies of sensory neurons
spi·nal·ly ['spī-nᵊl-ē] -adv
- with respect to or along the spine
spinal nerve -n
- any of the paired nerves which leave the spinal cord of a craniate vertebrate, supply muscles of the trunk and limbs, and connect with the nerves of the sympathetic nervous system, which arise by a short motor ventral root and a short sensory dorsal root, and of which there are 31 pairs in humans
spinal tap -n
- lumbar puncture
spin control -n
- the act or practice of attempting to manipulate the way an event is interpreted by others
spin·dle ['spin-dᵊl] -n
- a round stick with tapered ends used to form and twist the yarn in hand spinning
- the long slender pin by which the thread is twisted in a spinning wheel
- any of various rods or pins holding a bobbin in a textile machine (as a spinning frame)
- the pin in a loom shuttle
- a device usu. consisting of a long upright pin in a base on which papers can be stuck for filing called also spindle file
- : something shaped like a spindle: as
- a spindle-shaped network of chiefly microtubular fibers along which the chromosomes are distributed during mitosis and meiosis
- muscle spindle
- the bar or shaft usu. of square section that carries the knobs and actuates the latch or bolt of a lock
- a turned often decorative piece (as in a baluster)
- newel
- a revolving piece esp. when thinner than a shaft
- a horizontal or vertical axle revolving on pin or pivot ends
- the part of an axle on which a vehicle wheel turns
spindle ['spin(d)-liŋ, 'spin-dᵊl-iŋ] -vb, n
- to shoot or grow into a long slender stalk
- to grow to stalk or stem rather than to flower or fruit
- to impale, thrust, or perforate on the spike of a spindle file
- to make or equip (as a piece of furniture) with spindles
spindle cell -n
- a fusiform cell (as in some tumors)
spin·dlelegged ['spin-dᵊl-,(l)e-gəd also -,(l)ā- or -,(l)egd] -adj
- having long slender legs
spin·dleshanked [-,shaŋ(k)t] -adj
- spindle-legged
spindle tree -n
- any of various often evergreen shrubs, small trees, or vines (genus Euonymus) of the staff-tree family
spin·dling ['spin(d)-liŋ, -lən; 'spin-dᵊl-iŋ, -ən] -adj
- spindly
spin·dly ['spin(d)-lē, 'spin-dᵊl-ē] -adj
- of a disproportionately tall or long and thin appearance that often suggests physical weakness
- frail or flimsy in appearance or structure
spin doctor -n, vb
- a person (as a political aide) responsible for ensuring that others interpret an event from a particular point of view
spin·drift ['spin-,drift] -n
- sea spray
- spray blown from waves during a gale
- fine wind-borne snow or sand
spine ['spīn] -n, adj
- spinal column
- something resembling a spinal column or constituting a central axis or chief support
- the part of a book to which the pages are attached and on the cover of which usu. appear the title and author's and publisher's names
- a stiff pointed plant process
- one that is a modified leaf or leaf part
- : a sharp rigid process on an animal: as
- spicule
- a stiff unsegmented fin ray of a fish
- a pointed prominence on a bone
spinechill·ing [-,chi-liŋ] -adj
- alarmingly or eerily frightening
spi·nel [spə-'nel] -n
- a hard crystalline mineral consisting of an oxide of magnesium and aluminum that varies from colorless to ruby red to black and is used as a gem
- any of a group of minerals that are essentially oxides of magnesium, ferrous iron, zinc, or manganese
spine·less ['spīn-ləs] -adj, adv, n
- free from spines, thorns, or prickles
- having no spinal column : invertebrate
- lacking strength of character
spin·et ['spi-nət also spi-'net] -n
- an early harpsichord having a single keyboard and only one string for each note
- a compactly built small upright piano
- a small electronic organ
spin fishing -n
- spinning
spi·ni·fex ['spī-nə-,feks] -n
- any of several Australian grasses (genera Spinifexand Triodia) with spiny seeds or stiff sharp leaves
spin·meis·ter ['spin-,mīs-tər] -n
- spin doctor
spin·na·ker ['spi-ni-kər] -n
- a large triangular sail set on a long light pole and used when running before the wind
spin·ner ['spi-nər] -n
- one that spins
- a fisherman's lure consisting of a spoon, blade, or set of wings that revolves when drawn through the water
- a conical sheet metal fairing that is attached to an airplane propeller boss and revolves with it
- a movable arrow that is spun on its dial to indicate the number or kind of moves a player may make in a board game
- spin doctor
spinner dolphin -n
- a long-beaked dolphin ( Stenella longirostris) that is typically dark gray above and white below and that is noted for its habit of spinning in the air when breaching
spin·ner·et [,spi-nə-'ret] -n
- an organ (as of a spider or caterpillar) for producing threads of silk from the secretion of silk glands
- a small metal plate, thimble, or cap with fine holes through which a chemical solution (as of cellulose) is forced in the spinning of man-made filaments (as of rayon or nylon)
spin·ney ['spi-nē] -n
- a small wood with undergrowth
spinning -n
- a method of fishing in which a lure is cast by use of a light flexible rod, a spinning reel, and a light line
spinning frame -n
- a machine that draws, twists, and winds yarn
spinning jen·ny [-,je-nē] -n
- an early multiple-spindle machine for spinning wool or cotton
spinning reel -n
- a fishing reel with a nonmoving spool on which the line is wound by means of a revolving arm which can be disengaged to allow the line to spiral freely off the spool during casting
spinning rod -n
- a light flexible fishing rod used with a spinning reel
spinning wheel -n
- a small domestic hand-driven or foot-driven machine for spinning yarn or thread
spinoff ['spin-,ȯf] -n
- the distribution by a business to its stockholders of particular assets and esp. of stock of another company
- the new company created by such a distribution
- a collateral or derived product or effect : by-product
- a number of such products
- the spinoff from the space program
- something that is imitative or derivative of an earlier work, product, or establishment
- a television show starring a character popular in a secondary role of an earlier show
spin off -vt
- to establish or produce as a spin-off
- the company spun off its computer division
- to establish or become a spin-off
spin·or ['spi-nər, -,nȯr] -n
- a vector whose components are complex numbers in a two-dimensional or four-dimensional space and which is used esp. in the mathematics of the theory of relativity
spi·nose ['spī-,nōs] -adj, n
- spiny
- a fly with black spinose legs
spi·nous ['spī-nəs] -adj
- spiny
- spiny
- difficult or unpleasant to handle or meet : thorny
spin·out ['spin-,au̇t] -n
- a rotational skid by an automobile that usu. causes it to leave the roadway
spin out -vi
- to make a rotational skid in an automobile
Spi·no·zism [spi-'nō-,zi-zəm] -n, adj
- the philosophy of Baruch Spinoza who taught that reality is one substance with an infinite number of attributes of which only thought and extension are capable of being apprehended by the human mind
spin·ster ['spin(t)-stər] -n, adj
- a woman whose occupation is to spin
- an unmarried woman of gentle family
- an unmarried woman and esp. one past the common age for marrying
- a woman who seems unlikely to marry
spin·thar·i·scope [spin-'tha-rə-,skōp] -n
- an instrument for visual detection of alpha particles that consists of a fluorescent screen and a magnifying lens system
spin the bottle -n
- a kissing game in which one has as a partner the person a bottle points to when it stops spinning
spin·to ['spēn-(,)tō, 'spin-] -n, adj
- a singing voice having both lyric and dramatic qualities
spi·nule ['spī-(,)nyül] -n, adj
- a minute spine
spiny ['spī-nē] -adj, n
- abounding with difficulties, obstacles, or annoyances : thorny
- covered or armed with spines
- bearing spines, prickles, or thorns
- slender and pointed like a spine
spiny anteater -n
- echidna
spinyhead·ed worm ['spī-nē-,he-dəd-] -n
- any of a small phylum (Acanthocephala) of unsegmented parasitic worms that have a proboscis bearing hooks by which attachment is made to the intestinal wall of the host
spiny lobster -n
- any of several edible crustaceans (family Palinuridae, esp. genus Panulirus) distinguished from true lobsters by the simple unenlarged first pair of legs and claws and the spiny carapace
spi·ra·cle ['spir-i-kəl, 'spī-ri-] -n, adj
- a breathing hole : vent
- : a breathing orifice: as
- blowhole
- an external tracheal aperture of a terrestrial arthropod that in an insect is usu. one of a series of small apertures located along each side of the thorax and abdomen
spi·ral ['spī-rəl] -adj, adv
- winding around a center or pole and gradually receding from or approaching it
- the spiral curve of a watch spring
- helical
- spiral-bound
- of or relating to the advancement to higher levels through a series of cyclical movements
spiral -n
- the path of a point in a plane moving around a central point while continuously receding from or approaching it
- a three-dimensional curve (as a helix) with one or more turns about an axis
- a single turn or coil in a spiral object
- : something having a spiral form as:
- spiral galaxy
- a spiral flight
- a kick or pass in which a football rotates on its long axis while moving through the air
- a continuously spreading and accelerating increase or decrease
- to go and esp. to rise or fall in a spiral course
- to form into a spiral
- to cause to spiral
spiral binding -n
- a book or notebook binding in which a continuous spiral wire or plastic strip is passed through holes along one edge
spi·ralbound ['spī-rəl-,bau̇nd] -adj
- having a spiral binding
spiral cleavage -n
- holoblastic cleavage that is typical of protostomes and that is characterized by arrangement of the blastomeres of each upper tier over the cell junctions of the next lower tier so that the blastomeres spiral around the pole to pole axis of the embryo
spiral galaxy -n
- a galaxy exhibiting a central nucleus or barred structure from which extend curved arms of higher luminosity called also spiral nebula
spiral of Ar·chi·me·des [-,är-kə-'mē-dēz]
- a plane curve that is generated by a point moving away from or toward a fixed point at a constant rate while the radius vector from the fixed point rotates at a constant rate and that has the equation a in polar coordinates
spiral spring -n
- a spring consisting of a wire coiled usu. in a flat spiral or in a helix
spi·rant ['spī-rənt] -n, adj
- a consonant (as f, s, sh) uttered with friction of the breath against some part of the oral passage : fricative
spire ['spī(-ə)r] -n
- a slender tapering blade or stalk (as of grass)
- the upper tapering part of something (as a tree or antler) : pinnacle
- a tapering roof or analogous pyramidal construction surmounting a tower
- steeple
- to rise like a spire
- spiral
- coil
- the inner or upper part of a spiral gastropod shell consisting of all the whorls except the whorl in contact with the body
- to rise in or as if in a spiral
spi·rea [spī-'rē-ə] -n
- any of a genus ( Spiraea) of deciduous shrubs of the rose family with small usu. white or pink flowers in dense racemes, corymbs, cymes, or panicles
- any of several garden plants resembling spireas
- a shrub ( Astilbe japonica) of the saxifrage family
spired -adj
- having a spire
- tapering usu. to a sharp point
spi·ril·lum [spī-'ri-ləm] -n
- any of a genus ( Spirillum) of curved elongated motile bacteria having tufts of flagella at both poles
- a spiral filamentous bacterium (as a spirochete)
spir·it ['spir-ət] -n
- an animating or vital principle held to give life to physical organisms
- : a supernatural being or essence: as
- holy spirit
- soul
- an often malevolent being that is bodiless but can become visible
- ghost
- a malevolent being that enters and possesses a human being
- temper or disposition of mind or outlook esp. when vigorous or animated
- the immaterial intelligent or sentient part of a person
- the activating or essential principle influencing a person
- acted in a spirit of helpfulness
- an inclination, impulse, or tendency of a specified kind : mood
- a special attitude or frame of mind
- the money-making spirit was for a time driven back -- J. A. Froude
- the feeling, quality, or disposition characterizing something
- undertaken in a spirit of fun
- a lively or brisk quality in a person or a person's actions
- a person having a character or disposition of a specified nature
- a mental disposition characterized by firmness or assertiveness
- denied the charge with spirit
- : distillate
- the liquid containing ethanol and water that is distilled from an alcoholic liquid or mash often used in pl.
- any of various volatile liquids obtained by distillation or cracking (as of petroleum, shale, or wood) often used in pl.
- a usu. volatile organic solvent (as an alcohol, ester, or hydrocarbon)
- prevailing tone or tendency
- general intent or real meaning
- an alcoholic solution of a volatile substance
- enthusiastic loyalty
- god
spirit -vt
- to infuse with spirit
- animate
- hope and apprehension of feasibleness spirit s all industry -- John Goodman
- to carry off usu. secretly or mysteriously
- was hustled into a...motorcar and spirit ed off to the country -- W. L. Shirer
spir·it·ed ['spir-ə-təd] -adj, adv, n
- full of energy, animation, or courage
spirit gum -n
- a solution (as of gum arabic in ether) used esp. for attaching false hair to the skin
spir·it·ism ['spir-ə-,ti-zəm] -n, adj
- spiritualism
spir·it·less ['spir-ət-ləs] -adj, adv, n
- lacking animation, cheerfulness, or courage
spirit level -n
- level
spirit of wine
- alcohol
spir·i·to·so [,spir-ə-'tō-(,)sō, -(,)zō] -adj
- animated used as a direction in music
spir·it·ous ['spir-ə-təs] -adj
- pure, refined
- spirituous
spirit rapping -n
- communication by raps held to be from the spirits of the dead
spirits of turpentine
- turpentine
spirits of wine
- rectified spirit : alcohol
spir·i·tu·al ['spir-i-chə-wəl, -i-chəl, -ich-wəl] -adj, adv, n
- of, relating to, consisting of, or affecting the spirit : incorporeal
- of or relating to sacred matters
- ecclesiastical rather than lay or temporal
- concerned with religious values
- related or joined in spirit
- of or relating to supernatural beings or phenomena
- of, relating to, or involving spiritualism : spiritualistic
spiritual -n
- things of a spiritual, ecclesiastical, or religious nature
- a religious song usu. of a deeply emotional character that was developed esp. among blacks in the southern U.S.
- any of a party of 13th and 14th century Franciscans advocating strict observance of a rule of poverty for their order
spiritual bouquet -n
- a card notifying the recipient of a number of devotional acts performed by a Roman Catholic on behalf of a person on special occasions (as name days or anniversaries) or for the soul of someone recently deceased esp. as an expression of sympathy
spir·i·tu·al·ism ['spir-i-chə-wə-,li-zəm, -i-chə-,li-, -ich-wə-,li-] -n, adj
- the view that spirit is a prime element of reality
- a belief that spirits of the dead communicate with the living usu. through a medium
- a movement comprising religious organizations emphasizing spiritualism
spir·i·tu·al·i·ty [,spir-i-chə-'wa-lə-tē] -n
- something that in ecclesiastical law belongs to the church or to a cleric as such
- clergy
- sensitivity or attachment to religious values
- the quality or state of being spiritual
spir·i·tu·al·ize ['spir-i-chə-wə-,līz, -i-chə-,līz, -ich-wə-,līz] -vt, n
- to make spiritual
- to purify from the corrupting influences of the world
- to give a spiritual meaning to or understand in a spiritual sense
spir·i·tu·al·ty ['spir-i-chə-wəl-tē, -i-chəl-tē, -ich-wəl-tē] -n
- spirituality
- clergy
spi·ri·tu·el [,spir-i-chə-'wel, spē-rē-tw(ʸ)el] -adj
- having or marked by a refined and esp. sprightly or witty nature
spir·i·tu·ous ['spir-i-chə-wəs, -ich-wəs] -adj
- containing or impregnated with alcohol obtained by distillation
spirit varnish -n
- a varnish in which a volatile liquid (as alcohol) is the solvent
spirit writing -n
- automatic writing held to be produced under the influence of spirits
spi·ro·chet·al [,spī-rə-'kē-tᵊl] -adj
- caused by spirochetes
spi·ro·chete ['spī-rə-,kēt] -n
- any of an order (Spirochaetales) of slender spirally undulating bacteria including those causing syphilis and Lyme disease
spi·ro·chet·osis [,spī-rə-,kē-'tō-səs] -n
- infection with or a disease caused by spirochetes
spi·ro·gy·ra [,spī-rə-'jī-rə] -n
- any of a genus ( Spirogyra) of freshwater green algae with spiral chloroplasts
spi·rom·e·ter [spī-'rä-mə-tər] -n, adj
- an instrument for measuring the air entering and leaving the lungs
spirt ['spərt] -vb
(variant of spurt)
- to gush forth : spout
- to expel in a stream or jet : squirt
- a sudden gush : jet
- a short period of time : moment
- a sudden brief burst of effort, activity, or development
- a sharp or sudden increase in business activity
- to make a spurt
spi·ru·lina [,spī-rə-'lī-nə] -n
- a microscopic filamentous aquatic cyanobacterium (genus Spirulina,esp. S. platensissyn. Arthrospira platensis) that is sometimes cultivated for use as food esp. as a dietary supplement
spiry ['spī(-ə)r-ē] -adj
- resembling a spire
- tall, slender, and tapering
spit ['spit] -n
- a slender pointed rod for holding meat over a fire
- a small point of land esp. of sand or gravel running into a body of water
- to fix on or as if on a spit : impale
- to eject (as saliva) from the mouth : expectorate
- to express (unpleasant or malicious feelings) by or as if by spitting
- to utter with a spitting sound or scornful expression
- to emit as if by spitting
- to emit (precipitation) in driving particles or in flurries
- to set to burning
- to eject saliva as an expression of aversion or contempt
- to exhibit contempt
- to eject matter (as saliva) from the mouth : expectorate
- to rain or snow slightly or in flurries
- to make a noise suggesting expectoration : sputter
- spittle, saliva
- the act or an instance of spitting
- a frothy secretion exuded by spittlebugs
- spittlebug
- perfect likeness
- a sprinkle of rain or flurry of snow
spit·al ['spi-tᵊl] -n
- lazaretto, hospital
spit and polish -n, adj
- extreme attention to cleanliness, orderliness, smartness of appearance, and ceremony often at the expense of operational efficiency
spit·ball ['spit-,bȯl] -n
- paper chewed and rolled into a ball to be thrown or shot as a missile
- a baseball pitch delivered after the ball has been moistened with saliva or sweat
spit curl -n
- a spiral curl that is usu. plastered on the forehead, temple, or cheek
spite ['spīt] -n
- petty ill will or hatred with the disposition to irritate, annoy, or thwart
- an instance of spite
- annoy, offend
- to fill with spite
- to treat maliciously (as by shaming or thwarting)
spite·ful ['spīt-fəl] -adj, adv, n
- filled with or showing spite : malicious
spit·fire ['spit-,fī(-ə)r] -n
- a quick-tempered or highly emotional person
spit·ter ['spi-tər] -n
- one that spits
spitter -n
- spitball
spitting cobra -n
- any of several cobras (as Naja nigricollisand Hemachatus haemachatusof Africa) that in defense typically eject their venom toward the victim without striking
spitting image -n
- image
spit·tle ['spi-tᵊl] -n
- saliva
- spit
spit·tle·bug [-,bəg] -n
- any of a family (Cercopidae) of leaping homopterous insects whose nymphal larvae produce a frothy secretion called also froghopper
spittle insect -n
- spittlebug
spit·toon [spi-'tün, spə-] -n
- a receptacle for spit called also cuspidor
spit up -vb, n
- regurgitate, vomit
spitz ['spits] -n
- a member of any of several breeds of stocky heavy-coated dogs of northern origin with erect ears and usu. a heavily furred tail carried over the back
spiv ['spiv] -n, adj
- a man who lives by his wits without regular employment
- slacker
splanch·nic ['splaŋk-nik] -adj
- of or relating to the viscera : visceral
splash ['splash] -vb, n
- to strike and dash about a liquid or semiliquid substance
- to move in or into a liquid or semiliquid substance and cause it to spatter
- to become spattered about
- to spread or scatter in the manner of splashed liquid
- to fall, strike, or move with a splashing sound
- a brook splash ing over rocks
- to dash a liquid or thinly viscous substance upon or against
- to soil or stain with splashed liquid
- to mark or overlay with patches of contrasting color or texture
- to display prominently
- a story splash ed on the front page
- to cause (a liquid or thinly viscous substance) to spatter about esp. with force
- to scatter in the manner of a splashed liquid
- splashed liquid or semiliquid substance
- impounded water released suddenly
- a spot or daub from or as if from splashed liquid
- a mud splash on the fender
- a colored patch
- the action of splashing
- a short plunge
- a sound produced by or as if by a liquid falling, moving, being hurled, or oscillating
- a vivid impression created esp. by ostentatious activity or appearance
- ostentatious display
- a small amount : sprinkling
splash·board ['splash-,bȯrd] -n
- dashboard
- a panel to protect against splashes
splash·down ['splash-,dau̇n] -n, vi
- the landing of a manned spacecraft in the ocean
splash guard -n
- a flap suspended behind a rear wheel to prevent tire splash from muddying windshields of following vehicles
splashy ['spla-shē] -adj, adv, n
- moving or being moved with a splash or splashing sounds
- tending to or exhibiting ostentatious display : making a splash
- that can be easily splashed about
- consisting of, being, or covered with colored splashes
splat ['splat] -n
- a single flat thin often ornamental member of a back of a chair
- a splattering or slapping sound
splat·ter ['spla-tər] -vb
- spatter
- to scatter or fall in or as if in drops
splatter -n
- spatter, splash
- characterized by extreme or excessive gore or violence
splay ['splā] -vb
- to cause to spread outward
- to make oblique : bevel
- to extend apart or outward esp. in an awkward manner
- slope, slant
- a slope or bevel esp. of the sides of a door or window
- spread, expansion
- turned outward
- awkward, ungainly
splay·foot ['splā-,fu̇t] -n, adj
- a foot abnormally flattened and spread out
- flatfoot
spleen ['splēn] -n
- a highly vascular ductless organ that is located in the left abdominal region near the stomach or intestine of most vertebrates and is concerned with final destruction of red blood cells, filtration and storage of blood, and production of lymphocytes
- the seat of emotions or passions
- melancholy
- feelings of anger or ill will often suppressed
- a sudden impulse or whim : caprice
spleen·ful [-fəl] -adj
- full of or affected with spleen : splenetic
spleen·wort [-,wərt, -,wȯrt] -n
- any of a large genus ( Asplenium) of chiefly evergreen ferns having linear or oblong sori
spleeny ['splē-nē] -adj
- full of or displaying spleen
- peevish and irritable with hypochondriac inclinations
splen- -comb form
- spleen
splen·dent ['splen-dənt] -adj
- shining, glossy
- illustrious, brilliant
splen·did ['splen-dəd] -adj, adv, n
- : possessing or displaying splendor: as
- shining, brilliant
- marked by showy magnificence
- illustrious, grand
- excellent
- being out of the ordinary : singular
splen·dif·er·ous [splen-'di-f(ə-)rəs] -adj, adv, n
- extraordinarily or showily impressive
splen·dor ['splen-dər] -n, adj
- great brightness or luster : brilliancy
- magnificence, pomp
- something splendid
- the splendor s of the past
splen·dour ['splen-dər] -n, adj
(variant of splendor)
- great brightness or luster : brilliancy
- magnificence, pomp
- something splendid
- the splendor s of the past
sple·nec·to·my [spli-'nek-tə-mē] -n, vt
- surgical removal of the spleen
sple·net·ic [spli-'ne-tik, archaic 'sple-nə-(,)tik] -adj, n, adv
- given to melancholy
- marked by bad temper, malevolence, or spite
splen·ic ['sple-nik] -adj
- of, relating to, or located in the spleen
sple·ni·us ['splē-nē-əs] -n
- either of two flat oblique muscles on each side of the back of the neck and upper thoracic region
spleno·meg·a·ly [,sple-nō-'me-gə-lē] -n
- abnormal enlargement of the spleen
spleu·chan ['splü-k̲ən, 'splyü-] -n
- a pouch esp. for tobacco or money
splice ['splīs] -vt, n
- to unite (as two ropes) by interweaving the strands
- to unite (as lengths of magnetic tape) by overlapping and securing together two ends
- to unite, link, or insert as if by splicing
- to combine or insert (as genes) by genetic engineering
- spliced a human gene for insulin into a bacterium
- a joining or joint made by splicing something
- marriage, wedding
spliff ['splif] -n
- joint
spline ['splīn] -n
- a thin wood or metal strip used in building construction
- a key that is fixed to one of two connected mechanical parts and fits into a keyway in the other
- a keyway for such a key
- a function that is defined on an interval, is used to approximate a given function, and is composed of pieces of simple functions defined on subintervals and joined at their endpoints with a suitable degree of smoothness
splint ['splint] -n
- a small plate or strip of metal used in making armor
- a thin strip of wood suitable for interweaving (as into baskets)
- splinter
- material or a device used to protect and immobilize a body part (as a broken arm)
- a bony enlargement on the upper part of the cannon bone of a horse usu. on the inside of the leg
- to support and immobilize (as a broken bone) with a splint
- to brace with or as if with splints
splint bone -n
- one of the slender rudimentary metacarpal or metatarsal bones on either side of the cannon bone in the limbs of the horse and related animals
splin·ter ['splin-tər] -n, adj
- a thin piece split or broken off lengthwise : sliver
- a small needlelike particle
- a group or faction broken away from a parent body
splinter ['splin-tə-riŋ, -triŋ] -vb
- to split or rend into long thin pieces : shiver
- to split into fragments, parts, or factions
- to become splintered
split ['split] -vb
- to divide lengthwise usu. along a grain or seam or by layers
- to affect as if by cleaving or forcing apart
- the river split s the town in two
- to tear or rend apart : burst
- to subject (an atom or atomic nucleus) to artificial disintegration by fission
- to affect as if by breaking up or tearing apart : shatter
- a roar that split the air
- : to divide into parts or portions: as
- to divide between persons : share
- to divide into factions, parties, or groups
- to mark (a ballot) or cast or register (a vote) so as to vote for candidates of different parties
- to divide or break down (a chemical compound) into constituents
- split a fat into glycerol and fatty acids
- to remove by such separation
- to divide (stock) by issuing a larger number of shares to existing shareholders usu. without increase in total par value
- to separate (the parts of a whole) by interposing something
- leave
- to become split lengthwise or into layers
- to break apart : burst
- to become divided up or separated off
- to sever relations or connections : separate
- leave
- to leave without delay
- to betray confidence : act as an informer usu. used with on
- to apportion shares
- divided, fractured
- prepared for use by splitting
- heterozygous used esp. by breeders of cage birds sometimes with for
- a narrow break made by or as if by splitting
- an arrangement of bowling pins left standing with space for pins between them
- a piece split off or made thin by splitting
- a division into or between divergent or antagonistic elements or forces
- a faction formed in this way
- the act or process of splitting (as the stock of a corporation)
- the act of lowering oneself to the floor or leaping into the air with legs extended at right angles to the trunk
- a product of division by or as if by splitting
- a wine bottle holding one quarter the usual amount or about .1875 liters (6 to 6.5 ounces)
- the quantity held by a split
- an ice cream sundae served over slices of fruit (as banana)
- the recorded time at or for a specific part of a race
splitbrain ['split-'brān] -adj
- having the optic chiasma and corpus callosum severed
- behavior in splitbrain animals
split decision -n
- a decision in a boxing match reflecting a division of opinion among the referee and judges
split end -n
- an offensive football end who lines up usu. several yards to the side of the formation
- a hair tip that has become frayed (as from dryness) usu. used in pl.
splitfingered fastball ['split-'fiŋ-gərd-] -n
- a fastball thrown with the ball gripped as for a forkball so that it drops rapidly as it nears the plate called also split-finger splitter
split infinitive -n
- an infinitive with tohaving a modifier between the toand the verbal (as in to really start)
splitlev·el ['split-'le-vəl] -adj, n
- divided vertically so that the floor level of rooms in one part is approximately midway between the levels of two successive stories in an adjoining part
split pea -n
- a dried hulled pea (as a field pea) in which the cotyledons usu. split apart
split personality -n
- schizophrenia not used technically
- multiple personality disorder not used technically
- a dual nature or character
- a city with a split personality
split rail -n
- a fence rail split from a log
split screen -n
- a film or video technique in which the frame is divided into discrete nonoverlapping images
- the visual composition based on this technique
splitsecond -adj
- occurring in a split second
- extremely precise
split second -n
- a fractional part of a second : flash
split shift -n
- a shift of working hours divided into two or more working periods at times (as morning and evening) separated by more than normal periods of time off (as for lunch or rest)
split shot -n
- a small ball-shaped sinker of malleable metal having a slit for the insertion of a fishing line
split·ter ['spli-tər] -n
- one that splits
- one who classifies organisms into numerous named groups based on relatively minor variations or characters
- split-fingered fastball
split ticket -n
- a ballot cast by a voter who votes for candidates of more than one party
splitting -adj
- : that splits or causes to split: as
- causing a piercing sensation
- very fast or quick
- racing off at a splitting pace -- Charles Dickens
- sidesplitting
splore ['splȯr] -n
- frolic, carousal
- commotion
splotch ['spläch] -n, adj
- spot, blotch
- to mark with a splotch : cover with splotches
splurge ['splərj] -n
- an ostentatious effort, display, or expenditure
- to make a splurge
- to indulge oneself extravagantly often used with on
- to spend extravagantly or ostentatiously
splut·ter ['splə-tər] -n
- a confused noise (as of hasty speaking)
- a splashing or sputtering sound
splutter ['splə-tər-ər] -vt, n
- to utter hastily or confusedly : stammer
- to make a noise as if spitting
- to speak hastily and confusedly
splut·tery ['splə-tə-rē] -adj
- marked by spluttering
Spode ['spōd] -n
- ceramic ware (as bone china, stone china, or Parian ware) made at the works established by Josiah Spode in 1770 at Stoke in Staffordshire, England
spod·u·mene ['spä-jə-,mēn] -n
- a white to yellowish, purplish, or emerald-green monoclinic mineral that is a silicate of lithium and aluminum and occurs in prismatic crystals often of great size
spoil ['spȯi(-ə)l] -n
- plunder taken from an enemy in war or from a victim in robbery : loot
- public offices made the property of a successful party usu. used in pl.
- something valuable or desirable gained through special effort or opportunism or in return for a favor usu. used in pl.
- spoliation, plundering
- the act of damaging : harm, impairment
- an object of plundering : prey
- earth and rock excavated or dredged
- an object damaged or flawed in the making
- despoil, strip
- pillage, rob
- to seize by force
- to damage seriously : ruin
- to impair the quality or effect of
- a quarrel spoil ed the celebration
- to impair the disposition or character of by overindulgence or excessive praise
- to pamper excessively : coddle
- to practice plunder and robbery
- to lose valuable or useful qualities usu. as a result of decay
- to have an eager desire
spoil·age ['spȯi-lij] -n
- the act or process of spoiling
- the process of decay in foodstuffs
- something spoiled or wasted
- loss by spoilage
spoil·er ['spȯi-lər] -n
- one that spoils
- one (as a political candidate) having little or no chance of winning but capable of depriving a rival of success
- a long narrow plate along the upper surface of an airplane wing that may be raised for reducing lift and increasing drag
- an air deflector on an automobile to reduce the tendency to lift off the road at high speeds
- information about the plot of a motion picture or TV program that can spoil a viewer's sense of surprise or suspense
- a person who discloses such information
spoils·man ['spȯi(-ə)lz-mən] -n
- one who serves a party for a share of the spoils
- one who sanctions such practice
spoil·sport ['spȯi(-ə)l-,spȯrt] -n
- one who spoils the sport or pleasure of others
spoils system -n
- a practice of regarding public offices and their emoluments as plunder to be distributed to members of the victorious party
spoke ['spēk] -vb, adj
(variant of speak)
- to utter words or articulate sounds with the ordinary voice : talk
- to express thoughts, opinions, or feelings orally
- to extend a greeting
- to be friendly enough to engage in conversation
- still were not speak ing after the dispute
- to express oneself before a group
- to address one's remarks
- to make a written statement
- his diaries... spoke ...of his entrancement with death -- Sy Kahn
- to use such an expression often used in the phrase so to speak
- was at the enemy's gates, so to speak -- C. S. Forester
- to serve as spokesperson
- to express feelings by other than verbal means
- actions speak louder than words
- signal
- to be interesting or attractive : appeal
- great music...speak s directly to the emotions -- A. N. Whitehead
- to make a request or claim used with for usu. used in passive constructions
- the seat was already spoken for
- to make a characteristic or natural sound
- all at once the thunder spoke -- George Meredith
- testify
- to be indicative or suggestive
- his gold... spoke of riches in the land -- Julian Dana
- to utter with the speaking voice : pronounce
- to give a recitation of : declaim
- to express orally : declare
- free to speak their minds
- address, accost
- hail
- to make known in writing : state
- to use or be able to use in speaking
- to indicate by other than verbal means
- describe, depict
spo·ken ['spō-kən] -adj
- delivered by word of mouth : oral
- characterized by speaking in (such) a manner used in combination
spoke·shave ['spōk-,shāv] -n
- a drawknife or small transverse plane with end handles for planing convex or concave surfaces
spokes·man ['spōks-mən] -n
- a person who speaks as the representative of another or others often in a professional capacity
spokes·mod·el [-,mä-dᵊl] -n
- a model who is a spokesman or spokeswoman
spokes·peo·ple [-,pē-pəl] -n pl
- people serving as spokesmen or spokeswomen
spokes·per·son [-,pər-sᵊn] -n
- spokesman
spokes·wom·an [-,wu̇-mən] -n
- a woman who speaks as the representative of another or others often in a professional capacity
spo·li·ate ['spō-lē-,āt] -vt, n
- despoil
spo·li·a·tion [,spō-lē-'ā-shən] -n
- the act of plundering
- the state of having been plundered esp. in war
- the act of injuring esp. beyond reclaim
spon·dee ['spän-,dē] -n, adj or n
- a metrical foot consisting of two long or stressed syllables
spon·dy·li·tis [,spän-də-'lī-təs] -n
- inflammation of the vertebrae
sponge ['spənj] -n, adj
- an elastic porous mass of interlacing horny fibers that forms the internal skeleton of various marine animals (phylum Porifera) and is able when wetted to absorb water
- a piece of sponge (as for scrubbing)
- a porous rubber or cellulose product used similarly to a sponge
- any of a phylum (Porifera) of aquatic chiefly marine simple invertebrate animals that have a double-walled body of loosely aggregated cells with a skeleton supported by spicules or spongin and are filter feeders that are sessile as adults
- a pad (as of folded gauze) used in surgery and medicine (as to remove discharge)
- one who lives on others
- a soft mixture of yeast, liquid, and flour that is allowed to rise and then mixed with additional ingredients to create bread dough
- a whipped dessert usu. containing whites of eggs or gelatin
- a metal (as platinum) obtained in porous form usu. by reduction without fusion
- the egg mass of a crab
- an absorbent contraceptive device that is impregnated with spermicide and inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse to cover the cervix
- to cleanse, wipe, or moisten with or as if with a sponge
- to erase or destroy with or as if with a sponge often used with out
- to get by sponging on another
- to absorb with or as if with or in the manner of a sponge
- to absorb, soak up, or imbibe like a sponge
- to get something from or live on another by imposing on hospitality or good nature
- sponged off of her sister
- to dive or dredge for sponges
sponge cake -n
- a light cake made without shortening
sponge cloth -n
- any of various soft porous fabrics esp. in a loose honeycomb weave
sponge rubber -n
- cellular rubber resembling a natural sponge in structure used esp. for cushions, vibration dampeners, weather stripping, and gaskets
sponge·ware ['spənj-,wer] -n
- a typically 19th century earthenware with background color spattered or dabbed (as with a sponge) and usu. a freehand central design
spon·gi·form encephalopathy ['spən-ji-,fȯrm-] -n
- any of various degenerative diseases of the brain characterized by the development of porous spongelike lesions in brain tissue and by deterioration in neurological functioning
- prion disease
spon·gin ['spən-jən] -n
- a scleroprotein that is the chief constituent of flexible fibers found in certain sponge skeletons
spongy ['spən-jē] -adj, n
- : resembling a sponge:
- soft and full of cavities
- elastic, porous, and absorbent
- not firm or solid
- being in the form of a metallic sponge
- moist and soft like a sponge full of water
spongy parenchyma -n
- a spongy layer of irregular chlorophyll-bearing cells interspersed with air spaces that fills the interior part of a leaf below the palisade layer called also spongy layer spongy tissue
spon·son ['spän(t)-sən] -n
- a projection (as a gun platform) from the side of a ship or a tank
- an air chamber along a canoe to increase stability and buoyancy
- a light air-filled structure or a winglike part protruding from the hull of a seaplane to steady it on water
spon·sor ['spän(t)-sər] -n, adj
- one who presents a candidate for baptism or confirmation and undertakes responsibility for the person's religious education or spiritual welfare
- one who assumes responsibility for some other person or thing
- a person or an organization that pays for or plans and carries out a project or activity
- one that pays the cost of a radio or television program usu. in return for advertising time during its course
sponsor ['spän(t)s-(ə-)riŋ] -vt
- to be or stand sponsor for
spon·ta·ne·i·ty [,spän-tə-'nē-ə-tē, -'nā-] -n
- the quality or state of being spontaneous
- voluntary or undetermined action or movement
- its source
spon·ta·ne·ous [spän-'tā-nē-əs] -adj, adv, n
- proceeding from natural feeling or native tendency without external constraint
- arising from a momentary impulse
- controlled and directed internally : self-acting
- spontaneous movement characteristic of living things
- produced without being planted or without human labor : indigenous
- developing or occurring without apparent external influence, force, cause, or treatment
- not apparently contrived or manipulated : natural
spontaneous combustion -n
- self-ignition of combustible material through chemical action (as oxidation) of its constituents called also spontaneous ignition
spontaneous generation -n
- abiogenesis
spontaneous recovery -n
- reappearance of an extinguished conditioned response without positive reinforcement
spon·toon [spän-'tün] -n
- a short pike formerly borne by subordinate officers of infantry
spoof ['spüf] -vt
- deceive, hoax
- to make good-natured fun of
- hoax, deception
- a light humorous parody
spook ['spük] -n, adj
- ghost, specter
- an undercover agent : spy
- haunt
- to make frightened or frantic : scare
- to startle into violent activity (as stampeding)
- to become spooked
- cattle spook ing at shadows
spook·ery ['spü-k(ə-)rē] -n
- the quality of being spooky
- something (as a story) that involves spooks
spooky ['spü-kē] -adj, adv, n
- relating to, resembling, or suggesting spooks
- nervous, skittish
spool ['spül] -n
- a cylindrical device which has a rim or ridge at each end and an axial hole for a pin or spindle and on which material (as thread, wire, or tape) is wound
- material or the amount of material wound on a spool
- to wind on a spool
- wind
- spool the thread off the bobbin
- to regulate the transmission of by means of a spooler
- to wind itself on a spool
- to be wound or unwound
- to regulate data flow by means of a spooler
spool·er ['spü-lər] -n
- a computer utility that regulates data flow by receiving data (as from a word processor), queuing the data in a buffer, and then transmitting it (as to a printer) with increased efficiency
spoon ['spün] -n
- an eating or cooking implement consisting of a small shallow bowl with a relatively long handle
- something (as a tool or fishing lure) that resembles a spoon in shape
- to take up and usu. transfer in a spoon
- to make love by caressing, kissing, and talking amorously : neck
spoon·bill ['spün-,bil] -n
- any of several wading birds (family Threskiornithidae) related to the ibises that have an expanded bill that is flattened and rounded at the tip
- any of several broad-billed ducks (as the shoveler)
spoonbill cat -n
- a paddlefish ( Polyodon spathula)
spoonbilled ['spün-,bild] -adj
- having the bill or snout expanded and spatulate at the end
spoon bread -n
- soft bread made of cornmeal mixed with milk, eggs, and shortening and served with a spoon
spoo·ner·ism ['spü-nə-,ri-zəm] -n
- a transposition of usu. initial sounds of two or more words (as in tons of soilfor sons of toil)
spoonfeed ['spün-,fēd] -vt
- to feed by means of a spoon
- to present (information) so completely as to preclude independent thought
- spoonfeed material to students
- to present information to in this manner
spoon·ful ['spün-,fu̇l] -n
- as much as a spoon will hold
- teaspoonful
spoony ['spü-nē] -adj
- silly, foolish
- unduly sentimental
- being sentimentally in love
spoor ['spu̇r, 'spȯr] -n
- a track, a trail, a scent, or droppings esp. of a wild animal
- a trace by which the progress of someone or something may be followed
- to track by a spoor
- to track something by its spoor
spor- -comb form
- seed : spore
spo·rad·ic [spə-'ra-dik] -adj, adv
- occurring occasionally, singly, or in irregular or random instances
sporadic E layer -n
- a layer of ionization occurring irregularly within the E region of the ionosphere
spo·ran·gio·phore [spə-'ran-jē-ə-,fȯr] -n
- a stalk or similar structure bearing sporangia
spo·ran·gi·um [spə-'ran-jē-əm] -n, adj
- a structure within which spores are produced
spore ['spȯr] -n, adj
- a primitive usu. unicellular often environmentally resistant dormant or reproductive body produced by plants, fungi, and some microorganisms and capable of development into a new individual either directly or after fusion with another spore
- to produce or reproduce by spores
spore case -n
- a case containing spores : sporangium
spo·ri·cid·al [,spȯr-ə-'sī-dᵊl] -adj, n
- tending to kill spores
spo·ro·carp ['spȯr-ə-,kärp] -n
- a structure (as in red algae, fungi, or mosses) in or on which spores are produced
spo·ro·cyst [-,sist] -n
- a case or cyst secreted by some sporozoans preliminary to sporogony
- a sporozoan encysted in such a case
- a saccular body that is the first asexual reproductive form of a digenetic trematode, develops from a miracidium, and buds off cells from its inner surface which develop into rediae
spo·ro·gen·e·sis [,spȯr-ə-'je-nə-səs] -n, adj
- reproduction by spores
- spore formation
spo·rog·o·ny [spə-'rä-gə-nē, spȯ-] -n, adj
- reproduction by spores
- formation of spores typically containing sporozoites that is characteristic of some sporozoans and that results from the encystment and subsequent division of a zygote
spo·ro·phore ['spȯr-ə-,fȯr] -n
- the spore-producing organ of a fungus or slime mold
spo·ro·phyll [-,fil] -n
- a spore-bearing and usu. greatly modified leaf
spo·ro·phyte [-,fīt] -n, adj
- the diploid multicellular individual or generation of a plant with alternation of generations that begins from a diploid zygote and produces haploid spores by meiotic division
spo·ro·pol·len·in [,spȯr-ə-'pä-lə-nən] -n
- a relatively chemically inert polymer that makes up the outer layer of pollen grains and some spores
spo·ro·tri·cho·sis [spə-,rä-tri-'kȯ-səs; ,spȯr-ə-tri-] -n
- infection with or disease caused by a fungus ( Sporothrix schenckii) that is characterized by often ulcerating or suppurating nodules in the skin, subcutaneous tissues, and nearby lymph nodes and is usu. transmitted by fungal entry through a skin abrasion or wound
spo·ro·zo·an [,spȯr-ə-'zō-ən] -n, adj
- any of a large class (Sporozoa) of strictly parasitic nonmotile protozoans that have a complex life cycle usu. involving both asexual and sexual generations often in different hosts and include important pathogens (as malaria parasites and babesias)
spo·ro·zo·ite [-'zō-,īt] -n
- a usu. motile infective form of some sporozoans that is a product of sporogony and initiates an asexual cycle in the new host
spor·ran ['spȯr-ən, 'spär-] -n
- a pouch usu. of skin with the hair or fur on that is worn in front of the kilt with Scots Highland dress
sport ['spȯrt] -vb
- to amuse oneself : frolic
- lambs sport ing in the meadow
- to engage in a sport
- to mock or ridicule something
- to speak or act in jest : trifle
- to deviate or vary abruptly from type (as by bud variation) : mutate
- to display or wear usu. ostentatiously : boast
- sport ing expensive new shoes
- to put forth as a sport or bud variation
- a source of diversion : recreation
- sexual play
- physical activity engaged in for pleasure
- a particular activity (as an athletic game) so engaged in
- pleasantry, jest
- often mean-spirited jesting : mockery, derision
- something tossed or driven about in or as if in play
- laughingstock
- sportsman
- a person considered with respect to living up to the ideals of sportsmanship
- a companionable person
- an individual exhibiting a sudden deviation from type beyond the normal limits of individual variation usu. as a result of mutation esp. of somatic tissue
- of, relating to, or suitable for sports
- styled in a manner suitable for casual or informal wear
sport fish -n
- a fish important for the sport it affords anglers
sport·fish·er·man ['spȯrt-,fi-shər-mən] -n
- a motorboat equipped for sportfishing
sport·fish·ing [-,fi-shiŋ] -n
- fishing done with a rod and reel for sport or recreation
sport·ful [-fəl] -adj, adv, n
- productive of sport or amusement : entertaining, diverting
- playful, frolicsome
- done in sport
spor·tif ['spȯr-tif] -adj
- sporty
sport·ing ['spȯr-tiŋ] -adj, adv
- of, relating to, used, or suitable for sport
- trained for trapping or retrieving game
- marked by or calling for sportsmanship
- involving such risk as a sports contender may expect to take or encounter
- of or relating to dissipation and esp. gambling
- tending to mutate freely
sporting house -n
- bordello
sport·ive ['spȯr-tiv] -adj, adv, n
- frolicsome, playful
- ardent, wanton
- of or relating to sports and esp. field sports
sports bar -n
- a bar catering esp. to sports fans and typically containing several televisions and often sports memorabilia
sports car -n
- a low small usu. 2-passenger automobile designed for quick response, easy maneuverability, and high-speed driving
sports·cast ['spȯrts-,kast] -n
- a radio or television broadcast of a sports event or of information about sports
sports·man ['spȯrts-mən] -n, adj
- a person who engages in sports (as hunting or fishing)
- a person who shows sportsmanship
sports·man·ship [-,ship] -n
- conduct (as fairness, respect for one's opponent, and graciousness in winning or losing) becoming to one participating in a sport
sports medicine -n
- a field of medicine concerned with the prevention and treatment of injuries and disorders that are related to participation in sports
sports·wear ['spȯrts-,wer] -n
- clothing suitable for recreation
- clothing designed for casual or informal wear
sports·wom·an [-,wu̇-mən] -n
- a woman who engages in sports
sports·writ·er ['spȯrts-,rī-tər] -n
- a person who writes about sports esp. for a newspaper
sportutil·i·ty vehicle ['spȯrt-yü-'ti-lə-tē-] -n
- a rugged automotive vehicle similar to a station wagon but built on a light-truck chassis called also sport-ute -yut sport-utility SUV
sporty ['spȯr-tē] -adj, adv, n
- of, relating to, or typical of sports, sportsmen, sportswomen, or sportswear
- resembling a sports car in styling or performance
spor·u·late ['spȯr-yə-,lāt, -ə-,lāt] -vi
- to undergo sporulation
spor·u·la·tion [,spȯr-yə-'lā-shən, -ə-'lā-] -n, adj
- the formation of spores
- division into many small spores (as after encystment)
spot ['spät] -n
- a taint on character or reputation : fault
- the only spot on the family name
- a small area visibly different (as in color, finish, or material) from the surrounding area
- an area marred or marked (as by dirt)
- a circumscribed surface lesion of disease (as measles) or decay
- a conventionalized design used on playing cards to distinguish the suits and indicate values
- an object having a specified number of spots or a specified numeral on its surface
- a small quantity or amount : bit
- a particular place, area, or part
- a small extent of space
- a small croaker ( Leiostomus xanthurus) of the Atlantic coast with a black spot behind the opercula
- a particular position (as in an organization or a hierarchy)
- a place or appearance on an entertainment program
- spotlight
- a position usu. of difficulty or embarrassment
- a brief announcement or advertisement broadcast between scheduled radio or television programs
- a brief segment or report on a broadcast esp. of news
- to stain the character or reputation of : disgrace
- to mark in or with a spot : stain
- to locate or identify by a spot
- to single out : identify
- to note as a known criminal or a suspicious person
- detect, notice
- to locate accurately
- to cause to strike accurately
- to lie at intervals in or over : stud
- to place at intervals or in a desired spot
- to fix in or as if in the beam of a spotlight
- to schedule in a particular spot or at a particular time
- to remove a spot from
- to allow as a handicap
- to become stained or discolored in spots
- to cause a spot
- to act as a spotter
- to locate targets
- to experience abnormal and sporadic bleeding in small amounts from the uterus
- being, originating, or done on the spot or in or for a particular spot
- spot coverage of the news
- available for immediate delivery after sale
- paid out upon delivery
- involving immediate cash payment
- broadcast between scheduled programs
- originating in a local station for a national advertiser
- performing occasionally when needed
- chance of making the...varsity as a spot starter and relief pitcher -- N. Y. Times
- made at random or restricted to a few places or instances
- selected at random or as a sample
spotcheck ['spät-,chek] -vt
- to sample or investigate quickly or at random
- to make a spot check
spot·less ['spät-ləs] -adj, adv, n
- : having no spot:
- free from impurity : immaculate
- pure, unblemished
spot·light ['spät-,līt] -n
- a projected spot of light used to illuminate brilliantly a person, object, or group on a stage
- conspicuous public notice
- held the political spotlight
- a light designed to direct a narrow intense beam of light on a small area
- something that illuminates brilliantly
spotlight -vt
- to illuminate with a spotlight
- to direct attention to : highlight
spoton ['spät-'än] -adj
- exactly correct
- accurate, perfect
spot pass -n
- a pass (as in football or basketball) made to a predetermined spot on the field or court rather than directly to a player
spotted -adj
- marked with spots
- being sullied : tarnished
- characterized by the appearance of spots
spotted alfalfa aphid -n
- a highly destructive Old World aphid ( Therioaphis maculata) that is established in the U.S. in warmer areas and causes yellowing and stunting of affected plants
spotted cucumber beetle -n
- a rather slender greenish-yellow beetle ( Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi) that feeds as an adult on various ornamental and crop plants and is a vector of wilt disease esp. of cucumbers and melons
spotted dick -n
- a pudding made with suet and currants or raisins called also spotted dog
spotted fever -n
- : any of various eruptive fevers: as
- typhus
- rocky mountain spotted fever
spotted knapweed -n
- a knapweed ( Centaurea maculosasyn. C. biebersteinii) with usu. pink flowers and deeply cleft leaves that is native to Europe and Asia but is now widespread in the U.S.
spotted owl -n
- a rare large dark brown dark-eyed owl ( Strix occidentalis) that has barred and spotted underparts and is found in humid old growth forests and thickly wooded canyons from British Columbia to southern California and central Mexico
- northern spotted owl
spotted salamander -n
- a common salamander ( Ambystoma maculatum) of eastern No. America with glossy black skin spotted with yellow or orange on the back
spotted sea trout -n
- a weakfish ( Cynoscion nebulosus) that is a valuable food and sport fish of the southern Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the U.S. called also sea trout speckled trout spotted weakfish
spotted turtle -n
- a freshwater turtle ( Clemmys guttata) of the eastern U.S. that has a blackish carapace with round yellow spots
spot·ter ['spä-tər] -n
- one that makes or applies a spot (as for identification)
- : one that looks or keeps watch: as
- one that locates enemy targets
- a civilian who watches for approaching airplanes
- a person who assists another during exercise (as to prevent injury)
- one that removes spots
- one that places something on or in a desired spot
spot test -n
- a test limited to a few key or sample points or a relatively small percentage of random spots
- a test conducted on the spot to yield immediate results
spot·ty ['spä-tē] -adj, adv, n
- marked with spots : spotted
- lacking uniformity esp. in quality
- the performance was spotty
- irregularly or sparsely distributed
spou·sal ['spau̇-zəl, -səl] -n
- nuptials usu. used in pl.
spouse ['spau̇s also 'spau̇z] -n, adj
- married person : husband, wife
- wed
spout ['spau̇t] -vb, n
- to eject (as liquid) in a stream
- to speak or utter readily, volubly, and at length
- to speak or utter in a pompous or oratorical manner : declaim
- a candidate spout ing empty promises
- to issue with force or in a jet : spurt
- to eject material (as liquid) in a jet
- declaim
- : a pipe or conductor through which a liquid is discharged or conveyed in a stream: as
- a pipe for carrying rainwater from a roof
- a projecting tube or lip from which a liquid (as water) issues
- : a discharge or jet of liquid or moisture from or as if from a pipe: as
- waterspout
- the blowing of a whale
- pawnshop
spp -abbr
- species ( pl)
SPQR -abbr
- the senate and the people of Rome
sprach·ge·fuhl ['shpräk̲-gə-,fu̅e̅
l] -n
- the character of a language
- an intuitive sense of what is linguistically appropriate
sprad·dle ['spra-dᵊl] -vb
- sprawl
- to go or walk with a straddling gait : straddle
- sprawl
- to spread (the legs) in walking : straddle
sprag ['sprag] -n
- a pointed stake or steel bar let down from a halted vehicle (as a wagon) to prevent it from rolling
sprain ['sprān] -n
- a sudden or violent twist or wrench of a joint with stretching or tearing of ligaments
- a sprained condition
- to injure by a sudden or severe twist
sprang ['spriŋ] -vb
(variant of spring)
- dart, shoot
- sparks sprang out from the fire
- to be resilient or elastic
- to move by elastic force
- to become warped
- to issue with speed and force or as a stream
- tears spring from our eyes
- to grow as a plant
- to issue by birth or descent
- sprang from the upper class
- to come into being : arise
- towns sprang up across the plains
- dawn
- to begin to blow used with up
- a breeze quickly sprang up
- to make a leap or series of leaps
- spring ing across the lawn
- to leap or jump up suddenly
- to stretch out in height : rise
- pay used with for
- I'll spring for the drinks
- to cause to spring
- to undergo or bring about the splitting or cracking of
- to undergo the opening of (a leak)
- to cause to operate suddenly
- to apply or insert by bending
- to bend by force
- to leap over
- to produce or disclose suddenly or unexpectedly
- to make lame
- to release or cause to be released from confinement or custody
- a source of supply
- a source of water issuing from the ground
- an ultimate source esp. of action or motion
- spring tide
- a time or season of growth or development
- the season between winter and summer comprising in the northern hemisphere usu. the months of March, April, and May or as reckoned astronomically extending from the March equinox to the June solstice
- an elastic body or device that recovers its original shape when released after being distorted
- the act or an instance of leaping up or forward : bound
- capacity for springing : resilience
- energy, bounce
- the point or plane at which an arch or vault curve springs from its impost
- to fit with springs
sprat ['sprat] -n
- a small European marine fish ( Sprattus sprattus) of the herring family called also brisling
- any of various small or young fish (as an anchovy) of the herring family
- a young, small, or insignificant person
sprawl ['sprȯl] -vb
- to lie thrashing or tossing about
- to creep or clamber awkwardly
- to lie or sit with arms and legs spread out
- to spread or develop irregularly or without restraint
- bushes sprawl ing along the road
- to cause to spread out carelessly or awkwardly
- sprawl ed out her books on the table
- the act, posture, or condition of sprawling
- an irregularly spread or scattered group or mass
- urban sprawl
spray ['sprā] -n
- a usu. flowering branch or shoot
- a decorative flat arrangement of flowers and foliage (as on a coffin)
- something (as a jeweled pin) resembling a spray
- water flying in small drops or particles blown from waves or thrown up by a waterfall
- a jet of vapor or finely divided liquid
- a device (as an atomizer or sprayer) by which a spray is dispersed or applied
- an application of a spray or by spraying
- a substance (as paint) so applied
- to project spray or something resembling spray on or into
- spray ing the wall with bullets
- to disperse or apply as a spray
- to break up into spray
- to disperse or apply a spray
- to emit a stream or spray of urine
- a cat may spray to mark its territory
spray can -n
- a pressurized container from which aerosols are dispensed
spray gun -n
- an apparatus resembling a gun for applying a substance (as paint or insecticide) in the form of a spray
spread ['spred] -vb, n, adj
- to open or expand over a larger area
- to stretch out : extend
- spread its wings for flight
- to distribute over an area
- to distribute over a period or among a group
- spread the work over a few weeks
- to apply on a surface
- to cover or overlay something with
- spread the cloth on the table
- to cover completely
- to prepare or furnish for dining : set
- serve
- to make widely known
- to extend the range or incidence of
- diffuse, emit
- flowers spread ing their fragrance
- to push apart by weight or force
- to become dispersed, distributed, or scattered
- to become known or disseminated
- to grow in length or breadth : expand
- to move apart (as from pressure or weight) : separate
- the act or process of spreading
- extent of spreading
- : something spread out: as
- a surface area : expanse
- a ranch or homestead esp. in the western U.S.
- a herd of animals
- a prominent display in a periodical
- two facing pages (as of a newspaper) usu. with matter running across the fold
- the matter occupying these pages
- : something spread on or over a surface: as
- a food to be spread (as on bread or crackers)
- a sumptuous meal : feast
- a cloth cover for a table or bed
- distance between two points : gap
- a commodities market transaction in which a participant hedges with simultaneous long and short options in different commodities or different delivery dates in the same commodity
spreadea·gle ['spred-,ē-gəl] -vb
- to execute a spread eagle (as in skating)
- to stand or move with arms and legs stretched out : sprawl
- to stretch out into the position of a spread eagle
- to spread over
spreadeagle -adj
- marked by bombast and boastful exaggeration esp. of the greatness of the U.S.
spread eagle -n
- a representation of an eagle with wings raised and legs extended
- something resembling or suggestive of a spread eagle
- a skating figure executed with the skates heel to heel in a straight line
spread·er ['spre-dər] -n
- : one that spreads: as
- an implement for scattering material
- a small knife used esp. for spreading butter
- a device (as a bar) holding two linear elements (as lines, guys, rails) apart and usu. taut
spread formation -n
- an offensive football formation in which the pass receivers are spread out across the field
spreading factor -n
- hyaluronidase
spread·sheet ['spred-,shēt] -n
- an accounting program for a computer
- the ledger layout modeled by such a program
spree ['sprē] -n
- an unrestrained indulgence in or outburst of an activity
- a drunken revel
- binge
sprent ['sprent] -adj
- sprinkled over
sprier ['sprī] -adj, adv, n
(variant of spry)
- nimble
spriest ['sprī] -adj, adv, n
(variant of spry)
- nimble
sprig ['sprig] -n
- a small shoot : twig
- a small division of grass used for propagation
- heir
- youth
- a small specimen
- an ornament resembling a sprig, stemmed flower, or leaf
- a small headless nail : brad
- to drive sprigs or brads into
- to mark or adorn with the representation of plant sprigs
- to propagate (a grass) by means of stolons or small divisions
spright·ful ['sprīt-fəl] -adj, adv, n
- sprightly
spright·ly [-lē] -adj, n, adv
- marked by a gay lightness and vivacity : spirited
- having a distinctively piquant taste : zesty
spring ['spriŋ] -vb
- dart, shoot
- sparks sprang out from the fire
- to be resilient or elastic
- to move by elastic force
- to become warped
- to issue with speed and force or as a stream
- tears spring from our eyes
- to grow as a plant
- to issue by birth or descent
- sprang from the upper class
- to come into being : arise
- towns sprang up across the plains
- dawn
- to begin to blow used with up
- a breeze quickly sprang up
- to make a leap or series of leaps
- spring ing across the lawn
- to leap or jump up suddenly
- to stretch out in height : rise
- pay used with for
- I'll spring for the drinks
- to cause to spring
- to undergo or bring about the splitting or cracking of
- to undergo the opening of (a leak)
- to cause to operate suddenly
- to apply or insert by bending
- to bend by force
- to leap over
- to produce or disclose suddenly or unexpectedly
- to make lame
- to release or cause to be released from confinement or custody
- a source of supply
- a source of water issuing from the ground
- an ultimate source esp. of action or motion
- spring tide
- a time or season of growth or development
- the season between winter and summer comprising in the northern hemisphere usu. the months of March, April, and May or as reckoned astronomically extending from the March equinox to the June solstice
- an elastic body or device that recovers its original shape when released after being distorted
- the act or an instance of leaping up or forward : bound
- capacity for springing : resilience
- energy, bounce
- the point or plane at which an arch or vault curve springs from its impost
- to fit with springs
spring·ald ['spriŋ-əld] -n
- a young man : stripling
spring beauty -n
- any of a genus ( Claytonia) of herbs of the purslane family
- one ( C. virginica) of No. America that sends up in early spring a usu. 2-leaved stem bearing delicate pink flowers
spring·board ['spriŋ-,bȯrd] -n
- a flexible board usu. secured at one end and used for gymnastic stunts or diving
- a point of departure : jumping-off place
spring·bok ['spriŋ-,bäk] -n
- a swift and graceful southern African gazelle ( Antidorcas marsupialis) noted for its habit of springing lightly and suddenly into the air
spring bolt -n
- a bolt retracted by pressure and shot by a spring when the pressure is released
spring chicken -n
- a young person
springclean·ing ['spriŋ-'klē-niŋ] -n
- the act or process of doing a thorough cleaning of a place
springe ['sprinj] -n
- a noose fastened to an elastic body to catch small game
- snare, trap
spring·er ['spriŋ-ər] -n
- a stone or other solid laid at the impost of an arch
- one that springs
- springer spaniel
- a cow nearly ready to calve
springer spaniel -n
- : a medium-sized sporting dog of either of two breeds that is often used for finding and flushing small game:
- english springer spaniel
- welsh springer spaniel
spring fever -n
- a lazy or restless feeling often associated with the onset of spring
Spring·field rifle ['spriŋ-,fēld-] -n
- a.30 caliber bolt-action rifle used by U.S. troops esp. in World War I
spring·form pan ['spriŋ-,fȯrm-] -n
- a pan or mold with an upright detachable rim fastened to the bottom of the pan with a clamp or spring
spring·head ['spriŋ-,hed] -n
- fountainhead
spring·house [-,hau̇s] -n
- a small building situated over a spring and used for cool storage (as of dairy products or meat)
springing -n
- spring
- a point where an arch rises from its support
spring line -n
- a line led diagonally from the bow or stern of a ship to a point on a wharf and made fast to help keep the ship from moving fore and aft while docked
springload ['spriŋ-'lōd] -vt
- to load or secure by means of spring tension or compression
spring onion -n
- scallion
spring peeper -n
- a small brown tree frog ( Pseudacris crucifersyn. Hyla crucifer) of the eastern U.S. and Canada that has a shrill piping call and breeds in ponds and streams in the spring
spring roll -n
- egg roll
- any of various similar appetizers esp. in Asian cuisine
spring·tail ['spriŋ-,tāl] -n
- any of an order (Collembola) of small primitive wingless insects that exhibit incomplete metamorphosis and usu. possess a furcula used for jumping called also collembolan
spring·tide [-,tīd] -n
- springtime
spring tide -n
- a tide of greater-than-average range around the times of new moon and full moon
spring·time ['spriŋ-,tīm] -n
- the season of spring
- youth
- an early or flourishing stage of development
spring wagon -n
- a light farm wagon equipped with springs
spring·wa·ter ['spriŋ-,wȯ-tər, -,wä-] -n
- water from a spring
spring·wood [-,wu̇d] -n
- the softer more porous portion of an annual ring of wood that develops early in the growing season
springy ['spriŋ-ē] -adj, adv, n
- having an elastic quality : resilient
- having or showing a lively and energetic movement
- walks with a springy step
sprin·kle ['spriŋ-kəl] -vb, n
- to scatter in drops or particles
- to scatter over
- to scatter at intervals in or among : dot
- sprinkled the speech with quips
- to wet lightly
- to scatter a liquid in fine drops
- to rain lightly in scattered drops
sprinkle -n
- the act or an instance of sprinkling
- a light rain
- sprinkling
- small particles of candy used as a topping (as on ice cream) : jimmies
sprin·klered ['spriŋ-klərd] -adj
- having a sprinkler system
sprinkler system -n
- a system for protecting a building against fire by means of overhead pipes which convey an extinguishing fluid (as water) to heat-activated outlets
sprin·kling ['spriŋ-kliŋ] -n
- a limited quantity or amount : modicum
- a small quantity falling in scattered drops or particles
- a small number distributed at random : scattering
sprint ['sprint] -vi, n
- to run or go at top speed esp. for a short distance
- the act or an instance of sprinting
- dash
- a burst of speed
sprint car -n
- a rugged racing automobile that is midway in size between midget racers and ordinary racers, has about the same horsepower as the larger racers, and is usu. raced on a dirt track
sprit ['sprit] -n
- a spar that crosses a fore-and-aft sail diagonally
sprite ['sprīt] -n
- soul
- a disembodied spirit : ghost
- elf, fairy
- an elfish person
sprit·sail ['sprit-,sāl, -səl] -n
- a sail extended by a sprit
- a sail formerly set on a yard beneath the bowsprit
spritz ['sprits, 'shprits] -vb, n
- spray
- to disperse or apply a spray
spritz·er ['sprit-sər, 'shprit-] -n
- a beverage of usu. white wine and soda water
sprock·et ['sprä-kət] -n
- a toothed wheel whose teeth engage the links of a chain
- a cylinder with teeth around the circumference at either end that project through perforations in something (as motion-picture film) to move it through a mechanism (as a projector)
sprout ['sprau̇t] -vb
- to grow, spring up, or come forth as or as if a sprout
- to send out new growth
- to send forth or up : cause to develop : grow
- shoot
- a young shoot (as from a seed or root)
- brussels sprout
- edible sprouts esp. from recently germinated seeds (as of alfalfa or mung beans)
- : something resembling a sprout: as
- a young person
- scion
sprouting broccoli -n
- broccoli
spruce ['sprüs] -vb
- to make spruce often used with up
- to make oneself spruce
- neat or smart in appearance : trim
- any of a genus ( Picea) of evergreen trees of the pine family with a conical head of dense foliage, flat or 4-sided needles, pendulous cones, and soft light wood
- any of several coniferous trees (as Douglas fir) of similar habit
- the wood of a spruce
spruce beer -n
- a beverage flavored with spruce
- one made from spruce twigs and leaves boiled with molasses or sugar and fermented with yeast
spruce budworm -n
- a tortricid moth ( Choristoneura fumiferana) whose larva feeds on evergreen trees (as spruce and balsam fir) in the northern U.S. and Canada
- a related moth ( C. occidentalis) of the northwestern U.S. and adjacent Canada
spruce pine -n
- an American tree (as some pines and spruces or the common eastern hemlock) of the pine family with light, soft, or weak wood
sprucy ['sprü-sē] -adj
- spruce
sprue ['sprü] -n
- the waste piece on a casting (as of metal or plastic) left by the hole through which the mold was filled
- the hole in which a sprue forms
- a disease of tropical regions that is of unknown cause and is characterized by fatty diarrhea and malabsorption of nutrients called also tropical sprue
- celiac disease
sprung ['spriŋ] -vb
(variant of spring)
- dart, shoot
- sparks sprang out from the fire
- to be resilient or elastic
- to move by elastic force
- to become warped
- to issue with speed and force or as a stream
- tears spring from our eyes
- to grow as a plant
- to issue by birth or descent
- sprang from the upper class
- to come into being : arise
- towns sprang up across the plains
- dawn
- to begin to blow used with up
- a breeze quickly sprang up
- to make a leap or series of leaps
- spring ing across the lawn
- to leap or jump up suddenly
- to stretch out in height : rise
- pay used with for
- I'll spring for the drinks
- to cause to spring
- to undergo or bring about the splitting or cracking of
- to undergo the opening of (a leak)
- to cause to operate suddenly
- to apply or insert by bending
- to bend by force
- to leap over
- to produce or disclose suddenly or unexpectedly
- to make lame
- to release or cause to be released from confinement or custody
- a source of supply
- a source of water issuing from the ground
- an ultimate source esp. of action or motion
- spring tide
- a time or season of growth or development
- the season between winter and summer comprising in the northern hemisphere usu. the months of March, April, and May or as reckoned astronomically extending from the March equinox to the June solstice
- an elastic body or device that recovers its original shape when released after being distorted
- the act or an instance of leaping up or forward : bound
- capacity for springing : resilience
- energy, bounce
- the point or plane at which an arch or vault curve springs from its impost
- to fit with springs
sprung rhythm -n
- a poetic rhythm designed to approximate the natural rhythm of speech and characterized by the frequent juxtaposition of single accented syllables and the occurrence of mixed types of feet
spry ['sprī] -adj, adv, n
- nimble
spud ['spəd] -vb
- to dig with a spud
- to begin to drill (an oil well)
- to use a spud
- a tool or device (as for digging, lifting, or cutting) having the characteristics of a spade and a chisel
- potato
spume ['spyüm] -n, adj
- frothy matter on liquids : foam, scum
- froth, foam
spu·mo·ni [spu̇-'mō-nē] -n
- ice cream in layers of different colors, flavors, and textures often with candied fruits and nuts
spun ['spin] -vb
(variant of spin)
- to draw out and twist fiber into yarn or thread
- to form a thread by extruding a viscous rapidly hardening fluid used esp. of a spider or insect
- to revolve rapidly : gyrate
- to feel as if in a whirl : reel
- to move swiftly esp. on or as if on wheels or in a vehicle
- to fish with spinning bait : troll
- to fall in a spin
- to plunge helplessly and out of control
- to engage in spin control (as in politics)
- to draw out and twist into yarns or threads
- to produce by drawing out and twisting a fibrous material
- to form (as a web or cocoon) by spinning
- to stretch out or extend (as a story) lengthily : protract usu. used with out
- to evolve, express, or fabricate by processes of mind or imagination
- to cause to whirl : impart spin to
- to shape into threadlike form in manufacture
- to manufacture by a whirling process
- to set (records or compact discs) rotating on a player : play
- to present (as information) with a particular spin
- the act of spinning or twirling something
- an instance of spinning or of spinning something
- an assortment of spin s and lobs
- the whirling motion imparted (as to a ball or top) by spinning
- an excursion or ride in a vehicle esp. on wheels
- an aerial maneuver or flight condition consisting of a combination of roll and yaw with the longitudinal axis of the airplane inclined steeply downward
- a plunging descent or downward spiral
- a state of mental confusion
- a quantum characteristic of an elementary particle that is visualized as the rotation of the particle on its axis and that is responsible for measurable angular momentum and magnetic moment
- the angular momentum associated with such rotation whose magnitude is quantized and which may assume either of two possible directions
- the angular momentum of a system of such particles derived from the spins and orbital motions of the particles
- a usu. ingenious twist
- puts an Asian spin on the pasta dishes
- a special point of view, emphasis, or interpretation presented for the purpose of influencing opinion
- put the most favorable spin on the findings
- spin control
spun·bond·ed ['spən-,bän-dəd] -adj
- of or relating to a nonwoven polymeric material that resembles cloth or fabric
spun glass -n
- blown glass that has slender threads of glass incorporated in it
- fiberglass
spunk ['spəŋk] -n
- a woody tinder : punk
- any of various fungi used to make tinder
- mettle, pluck
- spirit, liveliness
- to show spirit usu. used with up
spunk·ie ['spəŋ-kē] -n
- ignis fatuus
spunky ['spəŋ-kē] -adj, adv, n
- full of spunk : spirited
spun sugar -n
- sugar boiled to long threads and gathered up and shaped or heaped on a stick as a candy
spun yarn -n
- a textile yarn spun from staple-length fiber
- a small rope or stuff formed of two or more rope yarns loosely twisted and used for seizings esp. on board ship
spur ['spər] -n
- a pointed device secured to a rider's heel and used to urge on the horse
- recognition and reward for achievement
- won his academic spur s as the holder of a chair in a university -- James Mountford
- a goad to action : stimulus
- : something projecting like or suggesting a spur: as
- a projecting root or branch of a tree, shrub, or vine
- a stiff sharp spine (as on the wings or legs of a bird or insect)
- one on a cock's leg
- a gaff for a gamecock
- a hollow projecting appendage of a corolla or calyx (as in larkspur or columbine)
- a bony outgrowth (as on the heel of the foot)
- climbing iron
- an angular projection, offshoot, or branch extending out beyond or away from a main body or formation
- a ridge or lesser elevation that extends laterally from a mountain or mountain range
- a railroad track that branches off from a main line
- a reinforcing buttress of masonry in a fortification
- to urge (a horse) on with spurs
- to incite to action or accelerated growth or development : stimulate
- to put spurs on
- to spur one's horse on
spurge ['spərj] -n
- any of a family (Euphorbiaceae) of widely distributed herbs, shrubs, and trees often with a bitter milky juice
- euphorbia
spur gear -n
- a gear wheel with radial teeth parallel to its axis called also spur wheel
spurge laurel -n
- a low-growing Eurasian shrub ( Daphne laureola) with oblong evergreen leaves and axillary racemes of yellowish flowers
spu·ri·ous ['spyu̇r-ē-əs] -adj, adv, n
- of illegitimate birth : bastard
- outwardly similar or corresponding to something without having its genuine qualities : false
- the spurious eminence of the pop celebrity
- of falsified or erroneously attributed origin : forged
- of a deceitful nature or quality
spurn ['spərn] -vb, n
- stumble
- kick
- to reject something disdainfully
- to tread sharply or heavily upon : trample
- to reject with disdain or contempt : scorn
- kick
- stumble
- disdainful rejection
- contemptuous treatment
spurofthemoment -adj
- occurring or developing without premeditation : hastily extemporized
- a spurofthemoment decision
spurred -adj
- wearing spurs
- having one or more spurs
spur·rey ['spər-ē, 'spə-rē] -n
- a white-flowered European annual weedy herb ( Spergula arvensis) of the pink family with whorled filiform leaves
- any of several related and similar herbs
spurt ['spərt] -vb
- to gush forth : spout
- to expel in a stream or jet : squirt
- a sudden gush : jet
- a short period of time : moment
- a sudden brief burst of effort, activity, or development
- a sharp or sudden increase in business activity
- to make a spurt
spur·tle ['spər-tᵊl] -n
- a wooden stick for stirring porridge
Sput·nik ['spu̇t-nik, 'spət-, 'spüt-] -n
- any of a series of earth-orbiting satellites launched by the Soviet Union beginning in 1957
sput·ter ['spə-tər] -vb, n
- to spit or squirt from the mouth with explosive sounds
- to utter hastily or explosively in confusion or excitement
- that's ridiculous! she sputter ed
- to dislodge (atoms) from the surface of a material by collision with high energy particles
- to deposit (a metallic film) by such a process
- to spit or squirt particles of food or saliva noisily from the mouth
- to speak explosively or confusedly in anger or excitement
- to make explosive popping sounds
sputter -n
- confused and excited speech or discussion
- the act or sound of sputtering
spu·tum ['spyü-təm, 'spü-] -n
- expectorated matter esp. from the air passages in diseases of the lungs, bronchi, or upper respiratory tract
spy ['spī] -vb
- to watch secretly usu. for hostile purposes
- to catch sight of : see
- to search or look for intensively usu. used with out
- spy out places fit for vending...goods -- S. E. Morison
- to observe or search for something : look
- to watch secretly as a spy
- : one that spies:
- one who keeps secret watch on a person or thing to obtain information
- a person employed by one nation to secretly convey classified information of strategic importance to another nation
- a person who conveys the trade secrets of one company to another
- an act of spying
spy·glass ['spī-,glas] -n
- a small telescope
spy·mas·ter ['spī-,mas-tər] -n
- the head of a ring of spies : a director of intelligence
spy·ware ['spī-,wer] -n
- software that is installed in a computer without the user's knowledge and transmits information about the user's computer activities over the Internet