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spurt

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spurt

  [spurt] ,
Use spurt in a Sentence
–verb (used without object)
1. to gush or issue suddenly in a stream or jet, as a liquid; spout.
2. to show marked, usually increased, activity or energy for a short period: The runners spurted forward in the last lap of the race.
–verb (used with object)
3. to expel or force out suddenly in a stream or jet, as a liquid; spout.
–noun
4. a sudden, forceful gush or jet.
5. a marked increase of effort for a short period or distance, as in running, rowing, etc.
6. a sudden burst or outburst, as of activity, energy, or feeling.
Also, spirt.

Origin:
1560–70; var. of spirt; orig. uncert.

Related forms:
spurter, noun
spurtive, adjective
spur⋅tive⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms:
1. well, spring. See flow. 4. spout.

Antonyms:
1. drip, ooze.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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spurt   (spûrt)   
n.  

  1. A sudden forcible gush or jet.

  2. A sudden short burst, as of energy, activity, or growth.

v.   spurt·ed, spurt·ing, spurts

v.   intr.

  1. To gush forth suddenly in a jet.

  2. To make a brief intense effort or show a sudden increase in activity or speed.

v.   tr.
To force out in a sudden jet.

[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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Word Origin & History

spurt  (v.)
"to gush out, squirt," 1570, variant of spirt, perhaps cognate with M.H.G. spürzen "to spit," and sprützen "to squirt" (see sprout). The noun in this sense is attested from 1775.

spurt  (n.)
"brief burst of activity," 1566, variant of spirt "brief period of time" (1550), of uncertain origin, perhaps somehow connected with spurt (v.).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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