Spandrels.
Spandrel, span′drel,n.the irregular triangular space between the curve of an arch and the enclosing right angle.—AlsoSpan′dril. [Ety. dub.; prob. conn. withspan.]
Spandy, span′di,adv.Same asSpan(3).
Spane,Spean, spān,v.t.(Scot.) to wean. [A.S.spanan; Ger.spänen.]
Spanemia, spa-nē′mi-a,n.poverty of blood—alsoSpanæ′mia.—adjs.Spanē′mic,Spanæ′mic. [Gr.spanos, scarce,haima, blood.]
Spang, spang,n.a spangle, shining ornament.
Spang, spang,v.i.(Scot.) to leap.—v.t.to set in violent motion, to hurl.—n.a springing up: a sudden blow.
Spangle, spang′gl,n.a small, thin plate or boss of shining metal: anything sparkling and brilliant, like a spangle.—v.t.to adorn with spangles.—v.i.to glitter.—adjs.Spang′led,Spang′ly.—n.Spang′ler. [A.S.spange; Ger.spange, Ice.spöng.]
Spangolite, spang′gō-līt,n.a rare mineral found in hexagonal green crystals along with cuprite in Arizona. [NormanSpangof Pittsburg.]
Spaniard, span′yard,n.a native ofSpain.
Spaniel, span′yel,n.a kind of dog, usually liver-and-white coloured, or black-and-white, with large pendent ears.—adj.(Shak.) like a spaniel, fawning, mean.—n.Span′ielship, obsequious attention.—Blenheim Spaniel, red-and-white, established by the Duke of Marlborough;Clumber Spaniel, handsome lemon-and-white, short in leg, long in body, with a coat like a setter, and massive head with large, drooping ears;King Charles spaniel, black-and-tan, first brought into notice by Charles II.;Sussex spaniel, like the Clumber, golden-liver or brown. [O. Fr.espagneul(Fr.épagneul)—Sp.Español, Spanish.]
Spanish, span′ish,adj.of or pertaining toSpain.—n.the language of Spain.—n.Span′iard, a native or citizen of Spain.—Spanish bayonet, any one of several species of yucca with straight sword-shaped leaves;Spanish broom, a hardy deciduous Mediterranean shrub with showy yellow fragrant flowers;Spanish chalk, a variety of talc;Spanish cress, a species of peppergrass;Spanish fly, a blister-beetle, a cantharid possessing a strong blistering principle, cantharidine: a preparation of cantharides used as a vesicant;Spanish fowl, a breed of the domestic hen—alsoWhite-faced black Spanish;Spanish grass, esparto;Spanish juice, extract of liquorice-root;Spanish Main, a name given to the north coast of South America from the Orinoco to Darien, and to the shores of the former Central American provinces of Spain contiguous to the Caribbean Sea—the name is often popularly applied to the Caribbean Sea itself:Spanish sheep, a merino;Spanish soap, Castile soap.—Walk Spanish, to be compelled to walk on tiptoe through being lifted up by the collar and the seat of the trousers—hence to proceed or act under compulsion.
Spank, spangk,v.i.to move with speed or spirit.—n.Spank′er, one who walks with long strides: a fast-going horse: any person or thing particularly striking, a dashing person.—adj.Spank′ing, spirited, going freely: striking, beyond expectation, very large. [Cf. Dan.spanke, to strut.]
Spank, spangk,v.i.to strike with the flat of the hand, to slap.—n.a loud slap, esp. on the backside.
Spanker, spang′kėr,n.the after-sail of a ship or barque, so called from its flapping in the breeze.
Span-roof, span′-rōōf,n.a roof having two equal inclined planes or sides.
Spar, spär,n.a rafter: a general term for masts, yards, booms, and gaffs, &c.—n.Spar′-deck, the upper deck of a vessel. [The A.S.spearrais assumed from the verbsparrian, to fasten with a bar; cf. Ice.sparri, Dut.spar.]
Spar, spär,n.a term applied by miners to any bright crystalline mineral, and adopted by mineralogists in the names of a number of minerals—calcareous spar,fluor spar,Iceland spar, &c.—adj.Spar′ry, resembling spar, spathic. [A.S.spær(-stán), gypsum; cf. Ger.spar(-kalk).]
Spar, spär,v.i.to box with the hands: to fight with showy action: to dispute:—pr.p.spar′ring;pa.t.andpa.p.sparred.—n.a preliminary sparring, boxing-match, or cock-fight.—ns.Spar′rer;Spar′ring. [O. Fr.esparer(Fr.éparer), to kick out, most prob. Teut.; Low Ger.sparre, a struggling.]
Sparable, spar′a-bl,n.a small nail used by shoemakers.—AlsoSper′rable. [Sparrow-bill.]
Sparadrap, spar′a-drap,n.a cerecloth, a plaster. [Fr.]
Spare, spār,v.t.to use frugally: to do without: to save from any use: to withhold from: to forbear from harming, to treat tenderly: to part with willingly.—v.i.to be frugal: to forbear: to be tender: to be forgiving.—adj.sparing: frugal: scanty: lean: superfluous.—n.that which has been saved or stored away: in American bowling, a point made by overturning all the pins with the first two balls.—adv.Spare′ly, in a spare manner: sparingly.—ns.Spare′ness;Spār′er, one who spares or avoids expense;Spare′rib, a piece of pork consisting of ribs with the meat adhering to them.—adj.Spā′ring, scarce: scanty: saving: merciful, forgiving.—adv.Spār′ingly, frugally: not abundantly: with abstinence: seldom: cautiously.—n.Spār′ingness, the quality of being sparing: want of liberality: caution. [A.S.sparian, to spare—spær, spare; Ger.spärlich, frugal.]
Sparganium, spär-gā′ni-um,n.a genus of plants of the orderTyphaceæ:, the bur-reeds. [Gr.]
Sparge, spärj,v.t.to sprinkle—(Scot.)Spairge.—n.Spar′ger, a sprinkler. [L.spargĕre, to sprinkle.]
Spargosis, spär-gō′sis,n.great distention of the breasts with milk.—AlsoSparganō′sis. [Gr.spargōsis—spargan, to swell.]
Spar-hawk, spär′-hawk,n.=Sparrow-hawk.
Spark, spärk,n.a small ignited particle shot off from a burning body: any small shining body or light: a small portion of anything active or vivid: a gay sprightly person, a lover, a beau.—v.i.to emit sparks: to play the gallant.—adj.Spark′ish, gay, jaunty, showy. [A.S.spearca, a spark; Dut.spark.]
Sparke, spärk,n.(Spens.) a battle-axe. [Perh. an error forsparthe.]
Sparkle, spärk′l,n.a little spark: lustre, brilliance: the presence of carbon dioxide, as in a wine, causing effervescence: the emission of sparks.—v.i.to emit sparks: to shine, glitter: to effervesce with glittering bubbles, or to contain much carbon dioxide, as certain wines.—v.t.to throw out sparklingly.—n.Spark′ler, one who, or that which, sparkles.—adj.Spark′less, not giving out sparks.—adv.Spark′lessly.—n.Spark′let, a small spark.—adj.Spark′ling, giving out sparks: glittering: brilliant: lively.—adv.Spark′lingly, in a sparkling manner: with vivid and twinkling lustre.—n.Spark′lingness, the quality of being sparkling: vivid and twinkling lustre. [A freq. ofspark.]
Sparling, spär′ling,n.the smelt.—AlsoSpir′ling.
Sparre, spär,n.(Spens.) a bolt, a bar. [Spar.]
Sparrer. See underSpar(3).
Sparrow, spar′ō,n.an Old World genus of birds of fringilline family.—ns.Sparr′ow-bill, a small shoe-nail, so called from its shape—alsoSpar′able;Sparr′ow-grass, asparagus;Sparr′ow-hawk, a genus of long-legged, short-winged falcons, like the goshawks, but smaller.—adj.Sparr′ow-tail(seeSwallow-tail). [A.S.spearwa; Goth.sparwa, Ice.spörr, Ger.sper-ling.]
Sparry, spär′i,adj.consisting of, or like, spar.—n.Sparr′y-ī′ron, a carbonite of iron, siderite.
Sparse, spärs,adj.thinly scattered: scanty.—adv.Sparse′ly.—n.Sparse′ness.—adj.Spar′sile.—n.Spar′sity. [L.sparsum, pa.p. ofspargĕre, to scatter; Gr.speirein, to sow.]
Spartan, spär′tan,adj.of or pertaining toSpartain Greece: hardy, rigorously severe: fearless.
Sparterie, spär′tėr-i,n.articles made from esparto—mats, nets, ropes, &c.
Sparth,-e, sparth,n.a halberd, mace.
Spasm, spazm,n.an irregular and violent contraction of muscular parts—involuntary even when the voluntary muscles are concerned. When persistent it istonic spasmorcramp,catalepsy,tetanus; when the relaxations alternate with the contractions, it isclonic spasm, as inepilepsy,convulsive hysteria,chorea, &c.—n.Spasmod′ic, a medicine for removing spasms.—adjs.Spasmod′ic,-al, relating to, or consisting in, spasms: convulsive.—adv.Spasmod′ically, in a spasmodic manner: in fits.—ns.Spas′modist;Spasmol′ogy, scientific knowledge of spasms.—adj.Spas′tic, relating to spasms, spasmodic.—adv.Spas′tically.—n.Spastic′ity, tendency to spasm.—Spasmodic school, a group of English poets, including P. J. Bailey, Sydney Dobell, and Alexander Smith, marked by overstrained and unnatural sentiment and expression. [Fr.spasme—L.spasmus—Gr.spasmos—spaein, to draw.]
Spat, spat,pa.t.ofspit, to throw from the mouth.
Spat, spat,n.the spawn of shellfish.—v.i.to shed spawn. [From root ofspit.]
Spat, spat,n.a slap: a large drop, as of rain: a petty quarrel.—v.t.to slap, to strike lightly.—v.i.to engage in a petty quarrel.
Spat, spat,n.a gaiter or legging—usually inpl.[Spatter-dashes.]
Spatangus, spā-tang′gus,n.the typical genus ofSpatangidæ, a family of irregular sea-urchins, the heart-urchins.—n.pl.Spatang′ida, the spatangoid sea-urchins.—adj.Spatang′oid, like a cordate urchin.—n.one of these.—ns.pl.Spatangoi′da,Spatangoi′dēa, theSpatangidæ, an order of petalostichous sea-urchins, generally excluding the clypeastroids or flat sea-urchins. [Gr.spatangēs, a sea-urchin.]
Spatch-cock, spach′-kok,n.a fowl killed and immediately roasted or broiled for some sudden occasion. [Prob. a corr. ofdespatchandcock.]
Spate,Spait, spāt,n.a sudden flood, as in a stream after heavy rain. [Prob. Ir.speid.]
Spathe, spāth,n.(bot.) a sheathing bract, which encloses one or more flowers, as in the narcissus.—adjs.Spathā′ceous, spathe-bearing;Spāthed, having a spathe.—n.Spathil′la, a secondary or diminutive spathe.—adjs.Spā′those,Spā′thous(bot.), having a spathe or sheath-like bract, bursting longitudinally. [L.spatha—Gr.spathē, a broad blade.]
Spathic, spath′ik,adj.(min.) foliated, lamellar.—adj.Spath′iform, spathic. [Ger.spath, spar.]
Spathura, spā-thū′ra,n.a genus of humming-birds with peculiar tail-feathers expanding into a spatule at the end, and leg-muffs. [Gr.spathē, a blade,oura, a tail.]
Spatial, spā′shal,adj.relating to space.—n.Spātial′ity.—adv.Spā′tially.
Spatilomancy, spā-til′ō-man-si,n.divination by means of animal excrements. [Gr.spatilē, excrement,manteia, divination.]
Spatterdashes.
Spatter, spat′ėr,v.t.to throw out or scatter upon: to scatter about: to sprinkle with dirt or anything moist: to defame.—n.the act of spattering: what is spattered.—n.pl.Spatt′er-dash′es, coverings for the legs, to keep them clean from water and mud, a kind of gaiters.—n.Spatt′er-work, a method of producing designs by covering the surface with the pattern and then spattering colouring matter on the parts exposed. [A freq. ofspot.]
Spatula, spat′ū-la,Spattle,spat′l,n.a little spade: a broad kind of knife for spreading plasters.—n.Spat′ulamancy, a method of divination by a sheep's shoulder-blade.—adj.Spat′ulāte, shaped like a spatula.—n.Spat′ule, a spatulate formation.—adjs.Spat′uliform,Spatulig′erous. [L.spatula,spathula, dim. ofspatha—Gr.spathē.]
Spavin, spav′in,n.a disease of horses occurring under two different forms—bog-spavin, in which the hock-joint is distended with dark-coloured synovia or joint-oil, andbone-spavin, in which a bony enlargement occurs towards the inside of the hock, at the head of the shank-bone, or between some of the small bones of the hock.—adj.Spav′ined, affected with spavin. [O. Fr.esparvain(Fr.éparvin)—Old High Ger.sparo,sparwe, a sparrow.]
Spawl, spawl,n.spittle, slaver.—v.i.to eject saliva.
Spawn, spawn,n.the eggs of fish or frogs when ejected: offspring.—adj.containing spawn.—v.t.to produce, as fishes and frogs do their eggs: to bring forth.—v.i.to deposit eggs, as fishes or frogs: to issue, as offspring.—ns.Spawn′er, the female fish from which the spawn is ejected;Spawn′ing;Spawn′ing-bed,-ground, a bed made in the bottom of a stream on which fish deposit their spawn. [O. Fr.espandre, to shed—L.expandĕre, to spread out.]
Spay, spā,v.t.to make an animal barren by destroying its ovaries.—AlsoSpāve. [L.spado—Gr.spadōn, a eunuch—Gr.spaein, draw out.]
Speak, spēk,v.i.to utter words or articulate sounds: to say: to talk: to converse: to sound: to give expression by any means, to intimate, to hint.—v.t.to pronounce: to converse in: to address: to declare: to express by signs:—pa.t.spoke or spāke;pa.p.spō′ken.—adj.Speak′able, capable of being spoken: (Milt.) having the power of speech.—ns.Speak′-eas′y(U.S.), an illicit dram-shop, shebeen;Speak′er, one who speaks or proclaims: the person who presides in a deliberative or legislative body, as the House of Commons;Speak′ership, the office of Speaker;Speak′ing, the act of expressing ideas in words: discourse.—adj.seeming to speak: natural: used to assist the voice.—adv.Speak′ingly.—ns.Speak′ing-trum′pet, an instrument for enabling the sound of the voice to be conveyed to a greater distance;Speak′ing-tube, a tube communicating from one room to another for speaking through;Speak′ing-voice, the kind of voice used in speaking.—Speak a ship, to hail and speak to some one on board her;Speak fair, to address one in conciliatory terms;Speak for, to speak on behalf of: to be a proof of: to bespeak, engage;Speaking terms, a relationship between two persons not extending beyond the courtesy of verbal salutation, &c.;Speak of, to talk about: to mention, or to be worth mentioning;Speak one's mind, to say frankly what one thinks;Speak out, to assert boldly or loudly;Speak to, to reprove: to attest, testify to;Speak up, to speak out;Speak well for, to witness favourably to.—So to speak, as one might put it, as it were. [A.S.specan(forsprecan); Dut.spreken, Ger.sprechen.]
Speal-bone, spēl′-bōn,n.the shoulder-blade.
Spear, spēr,n.a long weapon used in war and hunting, made of a pole pointed with iron: a lance with barbed prongs used for catching fish.—v.t.to pierce or kill with a spear.—ns.Spear′-fish, a kind of carp-sucker—alsoSail-fishandSkimback: the bill-fish, a histiophoroid fish related to the swordfish;Spear′-foot, the off or right hind-foot of a horse;Spear′-grass, a name applied to various grasses, esp. those known as meadow-grass, the Kentucky blue-grass: either of two New Zealand plants of the parsley family with long spinous leaflets;Spear′-head, the iron point of a spear;Spear′-lil′y, a plant of one of the species of the Australian genusDoryanthesof theAmaryllideæ, with sword-shaped leaves;Spear′man, a man armed with a spear;Spear′mint, the common garden-mint;Spear′-this′tle, the common thistle;Spear′-wood, one of two Australian trees whose wood makes good spear-shafts;Spear′-wort, the name of several species of Ranunculus with lance-shaped leaves. [A.S.spere; Ger.speer, L.sparus; cf.Spar.]
Spec, a colloquial abbrev. ofspeculation.
Special, spesh′al,adj.of a species or sort; particular: distinctive: uncommon: designed for a particular purpose: confined to a particular subject or application.—n.any special or particular person or thing: any person or thing set apart for a particular duty—a constable, a railway-tram, &c.: a newspaper extra, a despatch from a special correspondent.—n.Specialisā′tion, the act or process of specialising: differentiation, as of organs, functions, &c.—v.t.Spec′ialise, to make specifically distinct, to limit to a particular kind of action or use.—v.i.to act in some particular way, to take a particular direction, as to devote one's self especially to some particular branch of study.—ns.Spec′ialism, devotion to some particular study or pursuit;Spec′ialist, one who devotes himself to a special subject.—adj.Specialist′ic.—n.Special′ity, the particular characteristic of a person or thing: a special occupation or object of attention.—adv.Spec′ially.—ns.Spec′ialty, something special or distinctive: any special product, article of sale or of manufacture: any special pursuit, department of study, &c.: a special contract for the payment of money;Specie(spē′shi),gold and silver coin, metallic money (abl. of L.species, kind);Spē′cies, a group of individuals having common marks or characteristics, specialised from others of the samegenusto which it is subordinate: a group under a higher class, a kind or sort, a distinct constituent part, an element: an appearance to the senses, an image of an external object presented to the eye or the mind;Spē′cies-mong′er, one who busies himself with classifications only, indifferent to wider biological relations, one who makes distinctions for distinction's sake;Spēcif′ic, a remedy which has a special power in a particular disease: an infallible remedy.—adjs.Spēcif′ic,-al, pertaining to, or constituting, a species: that specifies: peculiar to: produced by some special cause: precise: infallible.—adv.Spēcif′ically.—ns.Spēcif′icalness,Spēcif′icness, the state or quality of being specific.—Special constable(seeConstable);Special license(see License);Special pleading(seePlead);Special verdict(seeVerdict).—Specific density, the mass of any given substance contained in unit volume;Specific gravity, the weight of any given substance as compared with the weight of an equal bulk or volume of water or other standard substance at the same temperature and pressure;Specific heat(seeHeat).
Specify, spes′i-fī,v.t.to mention particularly: to set down as a requisite:—pa.t.andpa.p.spec′ifīed.—v.t.Specif′icate, to specify.—n.Specificā′tion, the act of specifying: any point or particular specified: the description of his invention presented by an applicant for a patent.—Logical specificationis the counterpart of generalisation—implying that beings the most like or homogeneous disagree or are heterogeneous in some respect. [O. Fr.,—Low L.specificāre—L.species, kind,facĕre, to make.]
Specillum, spē-sil′um,n.a surgical probe: a lens, eyeglass. [L.,—specĕre, to look.]
Specimen, spes′i-men,n.a portion of anything to show the kind and quality of the whole: a sample, a typical individual: a preparation in natural history, &c., exemplifying anything noticeable in a species or other group. [L.specimen—specĕre, to see.]
Specious, spē′shus,adj.that looks well at first sight: showy: plausible: appearing actual, not merely imaginary.—ns.Spēcios′ity,Spē′ciousness, plausible appearance.—adv.Spē′ciously. [Fr.,—L.speciosus, showy—species, form—specĕre, to see.]
Speck, spek,n.a spot: a blemish: a mark betokening decay: a separate piece or particle, an atom, the least morsel or quantity: a percoid fish of the United States, a darter.—v.t.to spot. [A.S.specca; Low Ger.spakig, spotted with wet.]
Speck, spek,n.fat, lard.—n.Specktioneer′, the chief harpooner in whale-fishing. [A.S.spic, bacon; Ger.speck, Dut.spek, fat.]
Speckle, spek′l,n.a little speck or spot in anything different in substance or colour from the thing itself: (Scot.) kind, sort.—v.t.to mark with speckles.—adj.Speck′led, variegated, piebald.—n.Speck′ledness.—adjs.Speck′less, spotless, perfectly clean;Speck′y, partially spotted.
Spectacle, spek′ta-kl,n.a sight: show, a pageant, exhibition: (pl.) a pair of lenses mounted in frames to assist the sight, aids to mental vision: a marking resembling spectacles, as in the cobra.—adjs.Spec′tacled, wearing spectacles: marked like spectacles, as the bear, cobra, &c.;Spectac′ular, marked by display.—n.Spectacular′ity.—adv.Spectac′ularly. [L.spectaculum—spectāre,-ātum, intens. ofspecĕre, to look at.]
Spectant, spek′tant,adj.looking forward.—v.t.Spec′tāte, to survey.—n.Spec′tātion. [L.spectans,-antis, pr.p. ofspectāre.]
Spectator, spek-tā′tor,n.one who looks on:—fem.Spectā′tress,Spectā′trix.—adj.Spectatō′rial.—n.Spectā′torship, the office or quality of a spectator: (Shak.) the act of beholding.
Spectre, spek′tėr,n.a ghost.—adj.Spec′tral, relating to, or like, a spectre.—n.Spectral′ity, the state of being spectral, a spectral object.—adv.Spec′trally.—n.Spec′tre-bat, a South American leaf-nosed bat or vampire. [L.spectrum, a vision—specĕre, to see.]
Spectrum, spek′trum,n.the image of something seen continued after the eyes are closed: the colours of light separated by a prism, and exhibited as spread out on a screen:—pl.Spec′tra.—n.Spec′trograph, an apparatus for photographing a spectrum.—adjs.Spectrograph′ic,-al.—n.Spectrog′raphy, the art of using the spectrograph.—adj.Spectrolog′ical.—adv.Spectrolog′ically.—ns.Spectrol′ogy, the division of physical science that embraces spectrum analysis: demonology;Spectrom′eter, an instrument like a spectroscope, by means of which the angular deviation of a ray of light in passing through a prism can be accurately measured.—adj.Spectromet′ric.—n.Spec′trophōne, an adaptation of the spectroscope, in which, on the principle of the radiophone, perception of a succession of sounds takes the place of observation by the eye.—adj.Spectrophon′ic.—ns.Spec′tro-polar′iscope, a polariscope combined with a spectroscope;Spec′troscope, an instrument for forming and examining spectra of luminous bodies, so as to determine their composition.—adjs.Spectroscōp′ic,-al.—adv.Spectroscōp′ically.—ns.Spec′troscōpist, one skilled in spectroscopy;Spec′troscōpy, the use of the spectroscope and the study of spectrum analysis. [L.,—specĕre, to see.]
Specular, spek′ū-lar,adj.resembling a speculum: having a smooth reflecting surface: assisting vision, serving for inspection.—Specular iron ore, a variety of hematite, with a brilliant metallic lustre. [L.]
Specularia, spek-ū-lā′ri-a,n.a genus of plants of the bellwort family (Campanulaceæ), including the Venus's-looking-glass.
Speculate, spek′ū-lāt,v.i.to look at or into with the mind: to consider: to theorise: to traffic for great profit.—ns.Speculā′tion, act of speculating: mental view: contemplation: theory: the buying goods, &c., to sell them at an advance, any more or less risky investment of money for the sake of unusually large profits;Spec′ulātist, a speculative philosopher.—adj.Spec′ūlātive, given to speculation or theory: ideal: pertaining to speculation in business, &c.—adv.Spec′ulātively.—ns.Spec′ulātiveness, the state of being speculative;Spec′ulātor, one who engages in mental speculations, or who practises speculation in trade or business of any kind.—adj.Spec′ūlātory, exercising speculation: adapted for spying or viewing.—n.Spec′ulātrix, a female speculator. [L.speculatus,pa.p.ofspeculāri—specula, a lookout—specĕre, to look.]
Speculum, spek′ū-lum,n.(opt.) a reflector usually made of polished metal: (surg.) an instrument for bringing into view parts otherwise hidden: an ocellus or eye-spot, the mirror of a wing: a lookout place:—pl.Spec′ula. [L.,—specĕre, to look.]
Sped, sped,pa.t.andpa.p.ofspeed.
Speech, spēch,n.that which is spoken: language: the power of speaking: manner of speech, oration: any declaration of thoughts: mention: colloquy: conference.—ns.Speech′-craft, the science of language: the gift of speech;Speech′-crī′er, one who hawked the broadsides containing the dying speeches of persons executed, once common;Speech′-day, the public day at the close of a school year.—adj.Speech′ful, loquacious.—ns.Speechificā′tion, the act of making harangues;Speech′ifīer.—v.i.Speech′ify, to make speeches, harangue (implying contempt).—adj.Speech′less, destitute or deprived of the power of speech.—adv.Speech′lessly.—ns.Speech′lessness;Speech′-māk′er, one accustomed to speak in public;Speech′-māk′ing, a formal speaking before an assembly;Speech′-read′ing, the art of following spoken words by observing the speaker's lips, as taught to deaf-mutes. [A.S.spǽc,sprǽc; Ger.sprache.]
Speed, spēd,n.quickness, velocity: success.—v.i.to move quickly, to hurry: to succeed, to fare.—v.t.to despatch quickly: to hasten, as to a conclusion: to cause to advance, to push forward: to give a certain speed to, regulate the speed of: to send off, to put forth, to rid of, to kill: to cause to be relieved (only in passive): to execute: to aid: to make prosperous:—pr.p.speed′ing;pa.t.andpa.p.sped.—n.Speed′er, one who, or that which, promotes speed.—adj.Speed′ful, speedy.—advs.Speed′fully;Speed′ily.—ns.Speed′iness, speed, haste;Speed′-pull′ey, a pulley having different faces of different diameters giving various speeds according to the face the belt passes over;Speed′well(Veronica), a genus of plants of the natural orderScrophulariaceæ, with blue, white, or pink flowers, the leaves of some species used medicinally.—adj.Speed′y, hasty: quick: nimble. [A.S.spéd; Dut.spœd.]
Speir,Speer, spēr,v.t.andv.i.(Scot.) to ask. [A.S.spyrian, to inquire after,spor, a trace.]
Speiss, spīs,n.the product first obtained (an arsenide of the metal) when arsenical ores are smelted. [Ger.speise.]
Spekboom, spek′bōm,n.a large South African shrub of the purslane family. [Dut.]
Spelæan,Spelean, spē-lē′an,adj.cave-dwelling. [L.spelæum—Gr.spēlaion, a cave.]
Speld, speld,n.a chip, splinter.—AlsoSpel′der.
Spelding, spel′ding,n.(Scot.) a small fish split and dried in the sun.—AlsoSpel′drin,Spel′dron.
Spelin, spe-lin′,n.an artificial linguistic system devised by G. Bauer in 1888 for universal use.
Spelk, spelk,n.(prov.) a rod, switch.—v.t.to use a spelk in or upon.
Spell, spel,n.any form of words supposed to possess magical power: fascination.—v.t.to tell or name the letters of: to name, write, or print the proper letters of.—v.i.to form words with the proper letters: to study:—pr.p.spell′ing;pa.t.andpa.p.spelled, spelt.—adjs.Spell′able, capable of being spelled;Spell′-bound,Spell′-stopped(Shak.), entranced, fascinated.—ns.Spell′er, one who spells: one skilled in spelling;Spell′ing, act of spelling or naming the letters of words: orthography;Spell′ing-bee, a competition in spelling;Spell′ing-book, a book for teaching to spell;Spell′-work, that which is wrought by spells or charms: power of magic.—Spell backward, to spell, repeat, or arrange in reverse order: to understand in a contrary sense: to turn wrong-side out, misconstrue one's qualities;Spell baker, to do something difficult, that word being one of the earliest dissyllables in children's books. [A.S.spell, a narrative; Goth.spill, Ice.spjall, a tale.]
Spell, spel,v.t.to take another's place at work:—pr.p.spell′ing;pa.t.andpa.p.spelled.—n.a turn at work: a short period indefinitely: an interval of rest: a bad turn. [A.S.spelian, to act for another; cf. Dut.spelen, Ger.spielen, to play.]
Spelt, spelt,n.a kind of wheat, probably only a race of common wheat, still grown in the mountainous parts of Europe and elsewhere—also called German wheat. [A.S.spelt—Low L.spelta.]
Spelter, spel′tėr,n.zinc. [Allied to Dut.spiauter.]
Spence, spens,n.(prov.) a place where provisions are kept: a larder: a pantry.—AlsoSpense. [O. Fr.despense, a buttery—despendre—L.dispendĕre.]
Spencer, spens′ėr,n.a short over-jacket worn by men or women, named after EarlSpencer(1782-1845).
Spencer, spens′ėr,n.(in ships and barques) a fore-and-aft sail abaft the fore and main masts.
Spencerian, spen-sē′ri-an,adj.pertaining to the philosophy of HerbertSpencer(b. 1820).—n.a follower of Spencer.—n.Spencē′rianism, the system of evolutionary cosmology propounded by Herbert Spencer—the so-called synthetic philosophy.
Spend, spend,v.t.to expend or weigh out: to give for any purpose: to consume: to waste: to pass, as time.—v.i.to make expense: to be lost, wasted, or dissipated: to emit milt, semen, &c.:—pr.p.spend′ing;pa.t.andpa.p.spent.—adj.Spen′dable, that may be spent.—ns.Spend′all, a spendthrift;Spen′der;Spen′ding;Spense=Spence(q.v.).—adj.Spent, exhausted: impotent: of fish, exhausted by spawning. [A.S.spendan—L.expendĕreordispendĕre, to weigh out.]
Spendthrift, spend′thrift,n.one who spends the savings of thrift: a prodigal.—adj.excessively lavish. [Spendandthrift.]
Spenserian, spen-sē′ri-an,adj.pertaining to EdmundSpenser(1552-1599) or his versification, esp. his stanza inThe Faerie Queene, a strophe of eight decasyllabic lines and an Alexandrine, having three rhymes, the 1st and 3d, the 2d, 4th, 5th, and 7th, and the 6th, 8th, and 9th.
Spent, spent,pa.t.andpa.p.of spend.
Speos, spē′os,n.a grotto-temple or tomb. [Gr.]
Sper, spėr,v.t.(Spens.) to bolt, to shut, as a gate.
Sperable, spē′ra-bl,adj.(Bacon) that may be hoped.—adj.Spē′rate, hoped for. [L.sperabilis—sperāre, to hope.]
Spergula, sper′gū-la,n.a genus of polypetalous annuals belonging to theCaryophyllaceæ, with small white or pink flowers—spurryorsandweed.—n.Spergulā′ria, an allied genus, the sand-spurry. [L.spargĕre, to scatter.]
Sperket, spėr′ket,n.a hooked peg for hanging harness upon.—AlsoSpir′ket.
Sperm, spėrm,n.animal seed: spawn of fishes or frogs: spermaceti.—ns.Sper′maduct, a spermatic duct;Sper′maphore(bot.), a placenta;Sper′mary, the male germ-gland;Spermathē′ca, a spermatic case or sheath—alsoSpermatothē′ca.—adjs.Spermathē′cal;Spermat′ic,-al, pertaining to, or consisting of, sperm or seed, seminal: connected with the male function, testicular.—v.i.Sper′matise, to yield or to discharge semen.—ns.Sper′matism=Spermism;Sper′matist=Spermist;Spermā′tium, a minute spore within a spermogonium:—pl.Spermā′tia.—adj.Spermatō′al, pertaining to a spermatoon.—n.Sper′matoblast, the germ of a spermatozoon.—adj.Spermatoblas′tic.—ns.Sper′matocele, swelling of the testicle;Sper′matocyst, a seminal vesicle;Spermatocys′tis, inflammation of the seminal vesicles.—adj.Spermatocy′tal.—ns.Sper′matocyte, a mother-cell from which spermatozoids are developed;Spermatogem′ma, a mass of spermatocytes;Spermatogen′esis, the formation of spermatozoa.—adjs.Spermatogenet′ic,Spermatog′enous.—ns.Spermatog′eny, the generation of spermatozoa;Spermatogō′nium, one of the primitive seminal cells that by division form the spermatocytes.—adjs.Sper′matoid, sperm-like;Spermatolog′ical, pertaining to spermatology.—ns.Spermatol′ogist, one versed in spermatology;Spermatol′ogy, the knowledge of the facts about semen;Spermatō′on, the nucleus of a spermatozoon;Spermat′ōphōre, a case which in some Invertebrata encloses the spermatozoa.—adj.Spermatoph′orous.—ns.Spermatorrhē′a, involuntary seminal discharge;Spermatō′vum, a fecundated ovum;Spermatozō′id,Spermatozō′on, one of the male reproductive cells of animals, the physiological complements of the egg-cells or ova:—pl.Spermatozō′a;Sperm′-cell, a spermatozoon: a spermatoblast or a spermatocyte.—adj.Sper′mic=Spermatic—ns.Sper′mism, a seminal discharge: the theory that the male sperm holds the whole germ of the future animal;Sper′mist, one who holds the theory of spermism;Sperm′-nū′cleus, the nucleus of a spermatozoon;Sper′moderm, the whole integument of a seed;Spermogō′nium, the cavity in which, spermatia are produced;Sperm′-oil, oil from the sperm-whale;Spormol′ogy=Spermatology;Spermoph′ōrum, a seminal vesicle.—n.pl.Spermoph′yta, one of the four divisions of the vegetable kingdom including flowering plants.—ns.Sperm′ūle, a sperm-cell;Sperm′-whale, the cachalot, a species of whale from which spermaceti is obtained. [Fr.,—L.sperma—Gr.sperma,spermatos—speirein, to sow.]
Spermaceti, sper-ma-set′i, or-sē′tī,n.a waxy matter obtained mixed with oil from the head of the sperm-whale—purified by draining off the oil and repeatedly washing with hot water and weak boiling potash-lye.—adj.derived from, or yielding, spermaceti.—n.Spermacet′i-whale, the sperm-whale. [L.sperma,cētus, a whale—Gr.kētos.]
Spermophile, sper′mō-fīl,n.a rodent of the genusSpermophilus, a ground-squirrel. [Gr.sperma, seed,philein, to love.]
Sperre, sper,v.t.(Spens.). Same asSper. [Spar.]
Sperrylite, sper′i-līt,n.an arsenide of platinum discovered in 1888 in the province of Ontario, Canada.
Sperse, spėrs,v.t.(Spens.) to disperse.
Spet, spet,v.i.(Milt.) a form ofspit.
Spetch, spech,n.a piece of skin used in making glue. [Speck.]
Spew,Spue, spū,v.t.andv.i.to vomit: to eject with loathing.—ns.Spew′er;Spew′iness, moistness.—adj.Spew′y, boggy. [A.S.spíwan; Dut.spuwen, Ger.speien; also L.spuĕre, Gr.ptyein.]
Sphacelus, sfas′e-lus,n.gangrene.—adjs.Sphac′elate,-d, necrosed.—ns.Sphacelā′tion,Sphacelis′mus, necrosis;Sphacelō′ma, a genus of fungi containinganthracnose. [Gr.sphakelos.]
Sphæridium, sfē-rid′i-um,n.one of the minute spheroidal bodies attached to the ambulacral plates of sea-urchins:—pl.Sphærid′ia. [Gr.sphairidion, dim. ofsphaira, a sphere.]
Sphæristerium, sfē-ris-tē′ri-um,n.a tennis-court. [Gr.,—sphaira, a ball.]
Sphærite, sfē′rīt,n.a hydrous phosphate of aluminium.
Sphagnum, sfag′num,n.a genus of mosses—peat or bog-moss, belonging to the orderSphagnaceæ.—ns.Sphagnol′ogist, one who has studied the foregoing;Sphagnol′ogy, the study of the same.—adj.Sphag′nous. [Gr.sphagnos, moss.]
Sphecius, sfē′shi-us,n.a genus of digger-wasps. [Gr.sphēx, a wasp.]
Sphendone, sfen′dō-nē,n.an ancient Greek form of women's head-band: an elliptical or semi-elliptical auditorium. [Gr., a sling.]
Sphene, sfēn,n.titanite. [Fr.,—Gr.sphēn, wedge.]
Sphenic, sfē′nik,adj.wedge-like. [Gr.sphēn, a wedge.]
Spheniscus, sfē-nis′kus,n.a genus of penguins, of the familySpheniscidæ, the jackass-penguins.
Sphenodon, sfē′nō-don,n.a genus of South American fossil sloths; a genus of extinct New Zealand lizards.—adj.Sphē′nodont. [Gr.sphēn, a wedge,odous,odontos, a tooth.]
Sphenoid,-al, sfē′noid, -al,adj.wedge-shaped: inserted like a wedge, denoting a bone at the base of the skull.—adjs.Spheneth′moid, pertaining to the sphenoid and the ethmoid bone;Sphē′nō-fron′tal,-mā′lar,-pal′atine,-parī′etal,-tem′poral, pertaining to the sphenoid and frontal, malar, palatine, parietal, and temporal bones respectively.—n.Sphē′nogram, a cuneiform character.—adjs.Sphēnograph′ic,-al.—n.Sphēnog′raphy, the art of writing or deciphering cuneiform inscriptions.—adjs.Sphēnot′ic, pertaining to the sphenoid bone and the otic capsule;Sphē′no-tur′binal, sphenoidal and turbinated or whorled. [Gr.sphēn,sphēnos, a wedge,eidos, form.]
Sphere, sfēr,n.a ball or globe: an orb or circle: circuit of motion: province or duty: definite range: rank, position in society: (geom.) a surface every point of which is equidistant from one and the same point, called the centre.—adjs.Sphēr′al;Sphere′less.—ns.Sphere′-met′al(Milt.), metal like that of which the celestial spheres were anciently supposed to be made;Sphere′-mū′sic, the music of the spheres.—adjs.Spher′ic,-al, pertaining to, or like, a sphere.—n.Spherical′ity.—adv.Spher′ically.—ns.Spher′icalness,Spheric′ity, state or quality of being spherical: roundness;Spher′icle, a little sphere;Spher′ics, the geometry and trigonometry of the sphere;Sphē′roid, a body or figure nearly spherical, but not quite so—a species of ellipsoid (prolatespheroid, a slightly lengthened sphere;oblatespheroid, a slightly flattened sphere).—adj.Sphēroi′dal, having the form of a spheroid.—ns.Sphēroidi′city,Sphēroid′ity, the state of being spheroidal;Sphē′romēre, one of the symmetrical segments of a radiate;Sphērom′eter, an instrument for measuring the sphericity of portions of spherical surfaces—for example, lenses;Sphē′rosid′erite, the name given to impure or earthy and frequently concretionary varieties of carbonate of iron.—adj.Spher′ūlar.—ns.Spher′ūle, a little sphere;Spher′ūlite, a radiating spherical group of minute acicular crystals common in silicious volcanic rocks.—adjs.Spherūlit′ic;Sphē′ry, spherical, round: belonging to the celestial spheres. [Fr.,—L.sphæra—Gr.sphaira.]
Sphex, sfeks,n.a genus of hymenopterous insects of the familySphegidæ, closely allied to the true wasps (Vespidæ). [Gr.sphēx, a wasp.]
Sphincter, sfingk′tėr,n.(anat.) a muscle that contracts or shuts an orifice or opening which it surrounds—around the anus, &c.—adjs.Sphinc′terāte, provided with a sphincter, contracted as if by a sphincter;Sphinctē′rial,Sphincter′ic, relating to a sphincter or its function.—n.Sphincterot′omy, the operation of cutting a sphincter. [Gr.sphingktēr,—sphinggein, to bind tight.]
Sphinx, sfingks,n.a monster of Greek mythology, with the head of a woman and the body of a lioness, that proposed riddles to travellers, and strangled those who could not solve them: an enigmatic or inscrutable person: a hawk-moth: the Guinea baboon. [Gr.,—sphinggein, to throttle.]
Sphragistics, sfrā-jis′tiks,n.knowledge about seals, their age, history, &c. [Gr.sphragistikos, pertaining to seals—sphragis, a seal.]
Sphrigosis, sfri-gō′sis,n.in fruit-trees, excessive growth in wood and leaves at the expense of fruit. [Gr.sphrigan, to be vigorous.]
Sphygmograph, sfig′mō-graf,n.an instrument for ascertaining and recording the form, force, and frequency of the pulse-beat, and the changes it undergoes in certain morbid states.—adj.Sphyg′mic, pertaining to the pulse.—n.Sphyg′mogram, the record made by a sphygmograph.—adj.Sphygmograph′ic.—n.Sphygmog′raphy, the act of taking pulse-tracings.—adj.Sphyg′moid, pulse-like.—ns.Sphygmol′ogy, the science of the pulse;Sphygmōmānom′eter,Sphygmom′eter, an instrument for measuring the tension of blood in an artery;Sphyg′mophone, an instrument by means of which a pulse-beat makes a sound:Sphyg′mōscōpe, an instrument for making arterial pulsations visible;Sphyg′mus, the pulse. [Gr.sphygmos, the pulse,graphein, to write.]
Sphyrna, sfėr′na,n.a genus of hammer-headed sharks.—adj.Sphyr′nine. [Gr.sphyra, a hammer.]
Spial, spī′al,n.(obs.) espial: a spy, a scout.
Spica, spī′ka,n.a spiral bandage with reversed turns: (ornith.) a spur.—adjs.Spī′cal,Spī′cāte,-d, arranged in, or having the form of, a spike.—n.Spicā′tum, in ancient masonry, herring-bone work. [L.spicatus, pa.p. ofspicāre—spica, ear.]
Spice, spīs,n.an aromatic and pungent vegetable substance used as a condiment and for seasoning food—pepper, cayenne pepper, pimento, nutmeg, mace, vanilla, ginger, cinnamon, cassia, &c.: a characteristic touch or taste, smack, flavour: anything that adds piquancy or interest: an aromatic odour.—v.t.to season with spice: to tincture, vary, or diversify.—ns.Spice′-box, an ornamental box for keeping spices: (coll.) a hot-tempered person;Spice′-bush, an aromatic American shrub of the laurel family;Spice′-cake, a cake flavoured with spice of some kind.—adjs.Spiced, impregnated with a spicy odour: over-scrupulous;Spice′ful, aromatic.—ns.Spī′cer, one who seasons with spice;Spī′cery, spices in general: a repository of spices: spiciness;Spice′-tree, an evergreen tree of the Pacific United States, yielding a fine hard wood—theMountain-laurel,California-laurel,Olive-orBay-tree, andCajeput;Spice′-wood, the spice-bush. [O. Fr.espice(Fr.épice)—Late L.species, kinds of goods, spices—L.species, a particular kind, &c.]
Spiciferous,Spiciform,Spicous, &c. SeeSpike.
Spick, spik,n.a nail, a spike.—adj.tidy, fresh.—adj.Spick′-and-span, new and fresh, brand-new.—Spick-and-span new, i.e. as new as a spike just made and a chip just split. [Spike, nail.]
Spicknel, spik′nel,n.the baldmoney.—AlsoSpig′nel. [Prob.spike-nail.]
Spicy, spī′si,adj.producing or abounding with spices: fragrant: pungent: piquant, pointed, racy: showy.—adv.Spī′cily.—n.Spī′ciness.
Spider, spī′dėr,n.an arachnid of the orderAraneida, the body divided into two distinct parts—an unsegmented cephalo-thorax, bearing six pairs of appendages, and a soft unsegmented abdomen, at the end of which are the spinnerets from each of which numerous 'spinning-spools' ooze forth the viscid fluid which hardens into the silken thread: a frying-pan with feet, a trivet.—ns.Spī′der-catch′er, the wall-creeper;Spī′der-crab, a spider-like crab, or sea-spider with long thin legs;Spī′der-dīv′er, the little grebe, or dabchick;Spī′derdom, spiders collectively.—adj.Spī′dered, cobwebbed.—n.Spī′der-fly, a pupiparous fly, as a bird-louse, &c.—adj.Spī′der-like, like a spider.—ns.Spī′derling, a young spider;Spī′der-mon′key, an American platyrrine monkey, with long slender legs and tail;Spī′der-stitch, a stitch in lace or netting in which threads are carried diagonally and parallel to each other;Spī′der-wasp, a pompilid wasp which fills its nest with spiders for its young;Spī′der-web, the snare spun by the spider;Spī′der-wheel, in embroidery, a circular pattern with radiating lines;Spī′der-work, lace worked by spider-stitch;Spī′der-wort, any plant of the genusTradescantia, esp.T. virginica, an American perennial with deep-blue or reddish-violet flowers.—adj.Spī′dery, spider-like. [M. E.spither—A.S.spinnan, to spin; cf. Dan.spinder, Ger.spinne.]
Spie, spī,n.(Spens.) a keen glance, the eye. [Spy.]
Spiegeleisen, spē′gl-ī-zen,n.a white cast-iron containing from eight to fifteen per cent. of manganese, largely used in the manufacture of steel by the Bessemer process. [Ger.,—spiegel—L.speculum, a mirror, Ger.eisen, iron.]
Spiffy, spif′i,adj.(slang) smart, spruce, well-dressed.
Spiflicate, spif′li-kāt,v.t.(slang) to suffocate, kill: to beat severely, to confound.—n.Spiflicā′tion.
Spigelia, spī-jē′li-a,n.a genus of plants of the natural orderLoganiaceæ, containing theWorm-grassandCarolina-pink, the root—Pink-root—being purgative, narcotic, and poisonous, a powerful vermifuge.—adj.Spigē′lian, denoting thelobulus spigelii, one of the lobes of the liver. [From the Belgian Ad. van derSpiegel(1558-1625).]
Spight, spīt, v. andn.(Spens.). Same asSpite.
Spigot, spig′ut,n.a plug for stopping a small hole in a cask. [Gael.spiocaid, W.ysbigod—L.spica.]
Spike, spīk,n.an ear of corn: (bot.) an inflorescence in which sessile flowers, or flowers having very short stalks, are arranged around an axis: a small pointed rod: a large nail.—v.t.to set with spikes: to stop the vent of with a cast-iron spike driven in hard and then broken off, as by soldiers obliged to abandon their own guns or unable to remove those of the enemy which they have captured.—adjs.Spī′cate,Spī′cose,Spī′cous, having spikes or ears, like corn;Spicif′erous, bearing spikes: having spurs;Spī′ciform, having the form of a spike.—n.Spicos′ity, state of being spicous or eared.—adjs.Spic′ūlar, resembling a dart: in the shape of, or having, sharp points;Spic′ūlate, covered with, or divided into, minute points.—n.Spic′ūle(bot.), a little spike—alsoSpic′ūla: a minute, slender granule or point.—adjs.Spic′ulīform;Spicūlig′enous,Spicūlif′erous, producing spicules;Spic′ūlōse,Spic′ūlous, having spicules.—ns.Spic′ūlum, a spicule;Spike′bill, a merganser, a sawbill: the marbled godwit.—p.adj.Spiked, furnished, fastened, or stopped with spikes.—ns.Spike′-extract′or, an apparatus for drawing out spikes, as from railway-ties;Spike′-fish, a kind of sail-fish;Spike′-grass, one of several American grasses with conspicuous spikelets of flowers;Spike′let, a little spike;Spike′-nail, a spike;Spike′-oil, the oil of spike, a species of lavender;Spike′-plank, a platform before the mizzen-mast of a vessel, used in Arctic voyages.—adj.Spī′ky, furnished with spikes: having a sharp point. [L.spica, an ear of corn.]
Spikenard, spīk′närd,n.an aromatic oil or balsam yielded by an Indian plant, theNardus, closely allied to valerian: the plant itself. [L.spica nardi.]
Spile, spīl,n.a wooden plug serving as a spigot, a wooden pin or wedge: a spout driven into a sugar-maple tree, a tapping-gouge: a pile, or large timber driven into the ground for a foundation.—v.t.to pierce and provide with a spile: to drive piles into.—n.Spī′ling, building-piles: the edge-curve of a plank or of a strake in a vessel's hull. [Cf.Spill(2).]
Spill, spil,v.t.to allow to run out of a vessel: to shed: to waste: (coll.) to throw from a vehicle or the saddle: to empty the belly of a sail of wind for reefing.—v.i.to be shed: to be allowed to fall, be lost, or wasted:—pa.t.andpa.p.spilled, spilt.—n.a fall, a throw: a downpour.—ns.Spill′er;Spill′ing-line, a rope for spilling the wind out of a square sail to facilitate reefing or furling;Spill′-stream, a stream formed by overflow water, a bayou;Spill′way, a passage for overflow-water from a dam. [A.S.spillan; Dut.spillen, Ice.spilla, to destroy.]
Spill, spil,n.a small peg or pin to stop a hole: a thin strip of wood or twisted paper for lighting a candle, a pipe, &c.—n.Spill′ikin, one of a number of small pieces of wood, ivory, &c. for playing a game with: the game played—alsoSpil′kin. [A.S.speld, a torch; cf. Ger.spalten, to cleave, Dut.speld, a splinter.]
Spiloma, spi-lō′ma,n.a birth-mark, a nævus. [Gr.]
Spilosite, spil′o-sīt,n.a greenish schistose rock spotted with chlorite, occurring in the Harz—the GermanFleckenschiefer. [Gr.spilos, a spot.]
Spilotes, spī-lō′tēz,n.a genus of colubrine serpents.
Spilt, spilt,p.adj.(Spens.) pieced, inlaid.
Spilth, spilth,n.spilling, anything spilt or poured out lavishly, excess of supply.
Spilus, spī′lus,n.a nævus or birth-mark. [Gr.spilos, a spot.]
Spin, spin,v.t.to draw out and twist into threads: to draw out a thread as spiders do: to draw out tediously: to cause to whirl rapidly: to fish with a swivel or spoon-bait: to reject at an examination.—v.i.to practise the art or trade of spinning, to perform the act of spinning: to issue in a small or thread-like current: to whirl, to go fast:—pr.p.spin′ning;pa.t.andpa.p.spun.—n.a rapid revolving motion, a spurt at high speed.—ns.Spin′ner, one who spins: (Shak.) a spider: a spinneret;
Spin′neret, an organ, or one of the organs, with which insects form their webs.—adj.Spinner′ular.—ns.Spin′nerule, one of the tubules of a spinneret;Spin′nery, a spinning-mill.—adj.Spin′ning, used in spinning.—ns.Spin′ning-house, a place of correction where lewd and incorrigible women were made to spin;Spin′ning-jenn′y, a machine by which a number of threads can be spun at the same time;Spin′ning-mill, a factory where thread is spun;Spin′ning-wheel, a machine for spinning yarn, consisting of a wheel driven by the hand or by a treadle, which drives one or two spindles.—Spin a yarn, to tell a long story;Spin out, to prolong tediously. [A.S.spinnan; Ger.spinnen.]
Spinach,Spinage, spin′āj,n.an esculent vegetable whose thick succulent young leaves are boiled and seasoned, or fried with butter, forming a wholesome dish.—adj.Spinā′ceous. [It.spinace—Low L.spināceus—spina, a thorn.]
Spinal, spīn′al,adj.pertaining to the spine or backbone.—n.Spī′na, a spine, the backbone: one of the quills of a spinet: a barrier dividing the Roman hippodrome longitudinally.—adj.Spin′āte, covered with spines or spine-like processes.—Spinal column, the backbone;Spinal cord,marrow, the main neural axis of every vertebrate.
Spindle, spin′dl,n.the pin from which the thread is twisted: a pin on which anything turns: the fusee of a watch: anything very slender.—v.i.to grow long and slender.—adjs.Spin′dle-legged,-shanked, having long slender legs, like spindles.—ns.pl.Spin′dle-legs,-shanks, long slim legs—hence an over-long and slender person.—adj.Spin′dle-shaped, shaped like a spindle: thickest in the middle and tapering to both ends.—ns.Spin′dle-shell, a spindle-shaped shell;Spin′dle-tree, a shrub whose hard-grained wood was formerly used for making musical instruments and for spindles, and is now for skewers, &c.;Spin′dling, a person or thing too long and slender: a slender shoot.—adj.long and slender.—adj.Spin′dly, disproportionally long and slender. [A.S.spinl—spinnan, to spin; Ger.spindel.]
Spindrift, spin′drift,n.the spray blown from the crests of waves.—AlsoSpoon′drift.
Spine, spīn,n.a thorn: a thin, pointed spike, esp. in fishes: the backbone of an animal: any ridge extending lengthways: the heart-wood of trees.—adjs.Spined, having spines;Spine′less, having no spine, weak;Spines′cent, somewhat spiny;Spīnif erous, bearing spines or thorns;Spī′niform, shaped like a spine or thorn;Spīnig′erous, bearing spines, as a hedgehog;Spī′nigrade, moving by means of spines, as an echinoderm.—n.Spī′niness.—adjs.Spīnirec′tor, erecting the spine of the muscles of the back;Spīnispir′ular, spiny and somewhat spiral.—ns.Spīnī′tis, inflammation of the spinal cord in the horse, &c;Spin′ney,Spin′ny, a small thicket with underwood.—adjs.Spī′nose,Spī′nous, full of spines: thorny.—ns.Spinos′ity, thorniness;Spin′ūla,Spin′ūle, a minute spine.—adjs.Spin′ūlāte,Spin′ūlōse,Spin′ūlous, covered with spinules or minute spines;Spī′ny, full of spines: thorny: troublesome: perplexed. [O. Fr.espine(Fr.épine)—L.spina, a thorn.]
Spinel, spin′el, or spi-nel′,n.a mineral composed chiefly of magnesia and alumina, and crystallising in octahedra—ruby, ormagnesia spinel, reddish;pleonaste, dark green to black;picotite, orchrome spinel, black;gahnite, orzinc spinel, green to brown;hercynite, oriron spinel, black. [Low L.spinellus, dim. ofspina, a thorn.]
Spinet, spin′et,n.(mus.) an old-fashioned keyed instrument like the harpsichord. [O. Fr.espinette—It.spinetta, dim. ofspina—L.spina, a thorn.]