spell¹ (spĕl)

v., spelled, or spelt (spĕlt), spell·ing, spells.

v.tr.

1. To name or write in order the letters constituting (a word or part of a word).
2. To constitute the letters of (a word): These letters spell animal.
3. To add up to; signify: Their unwise investment could spell financial ruin.

v.intr.
To form words by means of letters.

phrasal verbs:

spell down

1. To defeat in a spelling bee.

spell out

1. To make explicit and clear: asked him to spell out his objectives.
2. To name or write in order the letters that constitute (a word or part of a word): spelled out my name.

[Middle English spellen, to read letter by letter, from Old French espeller, of Germanic origin.]

spell² (spĕl)
n.

1. 1. A word or formula believed to have magic power.
   2. A bewitched state; a trance.
2. A compelling attraction; charm or fascination: the spell of the theater.

tr.v., spelled, spell·ing, spells.
To put (someone) under a spell; bewitch.

[Middle English, discourse, from Old English.]

spell³ (spĕl)
n.

1. A short, indefinite period of time.
2. Informal. A period of weather of a particular kind: a dry spell.
3. 1. One's turn at work.
   2. A period of work; a shift.
4. Australian. A period of rest.
5. Informal. A period of physical or mental disorder or distress: a dizzy spell.
6. Informal. A short distance.

v., spelled, spell·ing, spells.

v.tr.

1. To relieve (someone) from work temporarily by taking a turn.
2. To allow to rest a while.

v.intr.

1. To take turns working.
2. Australian. To rest for a time from an activity.

[From Middle English spelen, to spare, from Old English spelian, to represent, substitute for.]

---

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

---