spat 2 (spāt) n.
pl. spat or spats
An oyster or similar bivalve mollusk in the larval stage, especially when it settles to the bottom and begins to develop a shell. The spawn of an oyster or a similar mollusk. intr.v.
spat·ted, spat·ting, spats To spawn. Used of oysters and similar mollusks.
[Middle English.] |
spat 4 (spāt) n. A brief quarrel. Informal A slap or smack. A spattering sound, as of raindrops. v.
spat·ted, spat·ting, spats
v.
intr.
To engage in a brief quarrel. To strike with a light spattering sound; slap. v.
tr. Informal To slap.
[Origin unknown.] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Medical Dictionary
Main Entry:
spat past and past participle of SPIT
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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