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.]

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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.

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