Search the Dictionary

A mechanism (usually one operated by electricity, compressed air, a spring, or an explosive gas), attached to an internal- combustion engine, as on an automobile, and used as a means of starting the engine without cranking it by hand.

excessive strain, as from compression, tension, bending, twisting, etc.; as, the set of a spring.

nd after the effects of rain or frost have disappeared; as, the roads settled late in the spring.

ea sapidissima), which is abundant on the Atlantic coast and ascends the larger rivers in spring to spawn, is an important market fish. The European allice shad, or alose (C. alosa), and the twaite shad. (C. finta), are less important species. [Written also chad.]

small kind of onion (Allium Ascalonicum) growing in clusters, and ready for gathering in spring; a scallion, or eschalot.

A similar instrument the blades of which are extensions of a curved spring, -- used for shearing sheep or skins.

A young branch or growth. Superfluous branches and shoots of this second spring. Evelyn.

ster; bright. All the enameled race, whose silvery wing Waves to the tepid zephyrs of the spring. Pope.

Wrong, as springing from indirection or obliquity; perverse; dishonest; corrupt; as, sinister aims. Nimble and sinister tricks and shifts. Bacon. He scorns to undermine another's interest by any sinister or inferior arts. South. He read in their looks . . . sinister intentions directed particularly toward himself. Sir…

To look gay and joyous; to have an appearance suited to excite joy; as, smiling spring; smilimg plenty. The desert smiled, And paradise was opened in the wild. Pope.

Any one of numerous small species of springtails, of the family Sminthurid, -- usually found on flowers. See Illust. under Collembola.

A small catch or fastening held or closed by means of a spring, or one which closes with a snapping sound, as the catch of a bracelet, necklace, clasp of a book, etc.

A spring lock for discharging a firearm; also, the firearm to which it is attached. [Obs.]

A combination of two hooks which close upon each other, by means of a spring, as soon as the fish bites. [U. S.]

a slight alkaline taste resembling that of sodium carbonate. It is found in many mineral springs and also produced artificially,. It is used in cookery, in baking powders, and as a source of carbonic acid gas (carbon dioxide) for soda water. Called also cooking soda, saleratus, and technically, acid sodium carbonate,…

A male child; the male issue, or offspring, of a parent, father or mother. Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son. Gen. xxi. 2.

sparrow (Melospiza fasciata, or M. melodia) noted for the sweetness of its song in early spring. Its breast is covered with dusky brown streaks which form a blotch in the center. -- Song thrush (Zoöl.), a common European thrush (Turdus musicus), noted for its melodius song; -- called also mavis, throsite, and thrashe…

The act of rising; a rise; an ascent. [Obs.] Therefore right as an hawk upon a sours Up springeth into the air, right so prayers . . . Maken their sours to Goddes ears two. Chaucer.

To have origin or source; to rise; to spring. [Obs.] Now might men ask whereof that pride sourdeth. Chaucer.

A spring or mineral water; -- so called from a place of this name in Belgium.