Chapter 1597

Sphe*roid"al (?) , a. [Cf. F. sph\'82ro\'8bdal .] Having the form of a spheroid. -- Sphe*roid"al*ly , adv.

Spheroidal state (Physics.) , the state of a liquid, as water, when, on being thrown on a surface of highly heated metal, it rolls about in spheroidal drops or masses, at a temperature several degrees below ebullition, and without actual contact with the heated surface, -- a phenomenon due to the repulsive force of heat, the intervention of a cushion of nonconducting vapor, and the cooling effect of evaporation.

Spheroidic, Spheroidical <Xpage=1384>

Sphe*roid"ic (?) , Sphe*roid"ic*al (?) , a. See Spheroidal .

Cheyne.

Spheroidicity, Spheroidity <Xpage=1384>

Sphe`roi*dic"i*ty (?) , Sphe*roid"i*ty (?) , n. The quality or state of being spheroidal.

Spheromere <Xpage=1384>

Sphe"ro*mere (?) , n. [ Sphere + -mere .] (Zo\'94l.) Any one of the several symmetrical segments arranged around the central axis and composing the body of a radiate anmal.

Spherometer <Xpage=1384>

Sphe*rom"e*ter (?) , n. [ Sphere + -meter : cf. F. sph\'82rom\'8atre .] (Physics) An instrument for measuring the curvature of spherical surface, as of lenses for telescope, etc.

Spherosiderite <Xpage=1384>

Spher`o*sid"er*ite (?) , n. [ Sphere + siderite .] (Min.) Siderite occuring in spheroidal masses.

Spherosome <Xpage=1384>

Sphe"ro*some (?) , n. [ Sphere + -some body.] (Zo\'94l.) The body wall of any radiate animal.

Spherulate <Xpage=1384>

Spher"u*late (?) , a. Covered or set with spherules; having one or more rows of spherules, or minute tubercles.

Spherule <Xpage=1384>

Spher"ule (?) , n. [L. spherula : cf. F. sph\'82rule .] A little sphere or spherical body; as, quicksilver, when poured upon a plane, divides itself into a great number of minute spherules .

Spherulite <Xpage=1384>

Spher"u*lite (?) , n. [Cf. F. sph\'82rulite .] (Min.) A minute spherical crystalline body having a radiated structure, observed in some vitreous volcanic rocks, as obsidian and pearlstone.

Spherulitic <Xpage=1384>

Spher`u*lit"ic (?) , a. Of or pertaining to a spherulite; characterized by the presence of spherulites.

Sphery <Xpage=1384>

Spher"y (?) , a. 1. Round; spherical; starlike. [R.] "Hermia's sphery eyne."

Shak.

2. Of or pertaining to the spheres. [R.]

She can teach ye how to climb Higher than the sphery chime. Milton.

Sphex <Xpage=1384>

Sphex (?) , n. [NL., fr. Gr. <?/<?/<?/, <?/<?/<?/, a wasp.] (Zo\'94l.) Any one of numerous species of sand wasps of the genus Sphex and allied genera. These wasps have the abdomen attached to the thorax by a slender pedicel. See Illust . of Sand wasp , under Sand .

Sphex fly (Zo\'94l.) , any one of numerous species of small dipterous flies of the genus Conops and allied genera. The form of the body is similar to that of a sphex.

Sphigmometer <Xpage=1384>

Sphig*mom"e*ter (?) , n. See Sphygmometer .

Sphincter <Xpage=1384>

Sphinc"ter (?) , n. [NL., fr. <?/<?/<?/ to bind tight.] (Anat.) A muscle which surrounds, and by its contraction tends to close, a natural opening; as, the sphincter of the bladder .

Sphincter <Xpage=1384>

Sphinc"ter , a. (Anat.) Of, pertaining to, or designating, a sphincter; as, a sphincter muscle .

Sphingid <Xpage=1384>

Sphin"gid (?) , n. (Zo\'94l.) A sphinx.

Sphingid <Xpage=1384>

Sphin"gid , a. Of or pertaining to a sphinx, or the family Sphingid\'91 .

Sphinx <Xpage=1384>

Sphinx (?) , n. [L., from Gr. sfi`gx , usually derived from sfi`ggein to bind tight or together, as if the Throttler.] 1. (a) In Egyptian art, an image of granite or porphyry, having a human head, or the head of a ram or of a hawk, upon the wingless body of a lion. <-- ETY sic.? something missing? -->

The awful ruins of the days of old . . . Or jasper tomb, or mutilated sphinx . Shelley.

(b) On Greek art and mythology, a she-monster, usually represented as having the winged body of a lion, and the face and breast of a young woman . The most famous Grecian sphinx, that of Thebes in B&oe;otia, is said to have proposed a riddle to the Thebans, and killed those who were unable to guess it. The enigma was solved by <OE/dipus, whereupon the sphinx slew herself. "Subtle as sphinx ."

Shak.

2. Hence: A person of enigmatical character and purposes, especially in politics and diplomacy.

3. (Zo\'94l.) Any one of numerous species of large moths of the family Sphingid\'91 ; -- called also hawk moth .

&hand; The larva is a stout naked caterpillar which, when at rest, often assumes a position suggesting the Egyptian sphinx, whence the name.

4. (Zo\'94l.) The Guinea, or sphinx, baboon ( Cynocephalus sphinx ).

Sphinx baboon (Zo\'94l.) , a large West African baboon ( Cynocephalus sphinx ), often kept in menageries. -- Sphinx moth . (Zo\'94l.) Same as Sphinx , 3.

Sphragide <Xpage=1384>

Sphrag"ide (?) , n. [L. sphragis , -idis , Lemnian earth, fr. Gr. <?/<?/<?/, <?/<?/<?/, a seal; -- so called because sold in sealed packets.] (Min.) Lemnian earth.

Sphragistics <Xpage=1384>

Sphra*gis"tics (?) , n. [Gr. <?/<?/<?/<?/ of or for sealing, fr. <?/<?/<?/ a seal.] The science of seals, their history, age, distinctions, etc., esp. as verifying the age and genuiness of documents.

Sphrigosis <Xpage=1384>

Sphri*go"sis (?) , n. [NL., fr. Gr. <?/<?/<?/ to be full of strength.] (Bot.) A condition of vegetation in which there is too abundant growth of the stem and leaves, accompanied by deficiency of flowers and fruit.

Sphygmic <Xpage=1384>

Sphyg"mic (?) , a. [Gr. <?/<?/<?/ the pulse.] (Physiol.) Of or pertaining to the pulse.

Sphygmogram <Xpage=1384>

Sphyg"mo*gram (?) , n. [Gr. <?/<?/<?/<?/ pulse + -gram .] (Physiol.) A tracing, called a pulse tracing, consisting of a series of curves corresponding with the beats of the heart, obtained by the application of the sphygmograph.

Sphygmograph <Xpage=1384>

Sphyg"mo*graph (?) , n. [Gr. <?/<?/<?/ the pulse + -graph .] (Physiol.) An instrument which, when applied over an artery, indicates graphically the movements or character of the pulse. See Sphygmogram .

Sphygmographic <Xpage=1384>

Sphyg`mo*graph"ic (?) , a. (Phusiol.) Relating to, or produced by, a sphygmograph; as, a sphygmographic tracing .

<page="1385"> Page 1385

Sphygmometer <Xpage=1385>

Sphyg*mom"e*ter (?) , n. [Gr. <?/<?/<?/<?/ pulse + -meter .] (Physiol.) An instrument for measuring the strength of the pulse beat; a sphygmograph.

Sphygmophone <Xpage=1385>

Sphyg"mo*phone (?) , n. [Gr. <?/<?/<?/ the pulse + <?/<?/<?/ sound.] (Physiol.) An electrical instrument for determining by the ear the rhythm of the pulse of a person at a distance.

Sphygmoscope <Xpage=1385>

Sphyg"mo*scope (?) , n. [Gr. <?/<?/<?/ the pulse + -scope .] (Physiol.) Same as Sphygmograph .

Sphyr\'91noid <Xpage=1385>

Sphy*r\'91"noid (?) , a. [L. sphyraena a kind of sea fish (Gr. sfy`raina ) + -oid .] (Zo\'94l.) Of or pertaining to the Sphyr\'91nid\'91 , a family of marine fishes including the barracudas.

Spial <Xpage=1385>

Spi"al (?) , n. A spy; a scout. [Obs.]

Bacon.

Spica <Xpage=1385>

Spi"ca (?) , n. ; pl. Spic\'91 (#) . [L., an ear, as of corn.] 1. (Med.) A kind of bandage passing, by successive turns and crosses, from an extremity to the trunk; -- so called from its resemblance to a spike of a barley.

2. (Astron.) A star of the first magnitude situated in the constellation Virgo.

Spicate, Spicated <Xpage=1385>

Spi"cate (?) , Spi"ca*ted (?) , a. [L. spicatus , p. p. of spicare furnish with spikes, or ears, fr. spica a spike, or ear.] (Bot.) Having the form of a spike, or ear; arranged in a spike or spikes.

Lee.

Spiccato <Xpage=1385>

Spic*ca"to (?) , a. [It., p. p. of spicare to detach, to separate.] (Mus.) Detached; separated; -- a term indicating that every note is to be performed in a distinct and pointed manner.

Spice <Xpage=1385>

Spice (?) , n. [OE. spice , spece , spice, species, OF. espice , espece , F. \'82pice spice, esp\'8ace species, fr. L. species particular sort or kind, a species, a sight, appearance, show, LL., spices, drugs, etc., of the same sort, fr. L. specere to look. See Spy , and cf. Species .] 1. Species; kind. [Obs.]

The spices of penance ben three. Chaucer.

Abstain you from all evil spice . Wyclif (1. Thess,v. 22).

Justice, although it be but one entire virtue, yet is described in two kinds of spices . The one is named justice distributive, the other is called commutative. Sir T. Elyot.

2. A vegetable production of many kinds, fragrant or aromatic and pungent to the taste, as pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, allspice, ginger, cloves, etc., which are used in cookery and to flavor sauces, pickles, etc.

Hast thou aught in thy purse [bag] any hot spices ? Piers Plowman.

3. Figuratively, that which enriches or alters the quality of a thing in a small degree, as spice alters the taste of food; that which gives zest or pungency; a slight flavoring; a relish; hence, a small quantity or admixture; a sprinkling; as, a spice of mischief .

So much of the will, with a spice of the willful. Coleridge.

Spice <Xpage=1385>

Spice , v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Spiced (?) ; p. p. & vb. n. Spicing (?) .] 1. To season with spice, or as with spice; to mix aromatic or pungent substances with; to flavor; to season; as, to spice wine; to spice one's words with wit .

She 'll receive thee, but will spice thy bread With flowery poisons. Chapman.

2. To fill or impregnate with the odor of spices.

In the spiced Indian air, by night. Shak.

3. To render nice or dainty; hence, to render scrupulous. [Obs.] "A spiced conscience."

Chaucer.

Spicebush <Xpage=1385>

Spice"bush` (?) , n. (Bot.) Spicewood.

Spicenut <Xpage=1385>

Spice"nut` (?) . A small crisp cake, highly spiced.

Spicer <Xpage=1385>

Spi"cer (?) , n. [Cf. OF. espicier , F. \'82picier .] 1. One who seasons with spice.

2. One who deals in spice. [Obs.]

Piers Plowman.

Spicery <Xpage=1385>

Spi"cer*y (?) , n. [OF. espicerie , F. \'82picerie .] 1. Spices, in general.

Chaucer.

2. A repository of spices.

Addison.

Spicewood <Xpage=1385>

Spice"wood` (?) , n. (Bot.) An American shrub ( Lindera Benzoin ), the bark of which has a spicy taste and odor; -- called also Benjamin , wild allspice , and fever bush .

Spiciferous <Xpage=1385>

Spi*cif"er*ous (?) , a. [L. spicifer bearing spikes, or ears; spica ear + ferre to bear.] Bearing ears, or spikes; spicate. [Obs.]

Bailey.

Spiciform <Xpage=1385>

Spi"ci*form (?) , a. [L. spica a spike, ear + -form .] (Bot.) Spike-shaped.

Gray.

Spicily <Xpage=1385>

Spi"ci*ly , adv. In a spicy manner.

Spiciness <Xpage=1385>

Spi"ci*ness , n. The quality or state of being spicy.

Spick <Xpage=1385>

Spick (?) , n. [Cf. Sw. spik . See Spike a nail.] A spike or nail. [Prov. Eng.]

Spick and span , quite new; that is, as new as a spike or nail just made and a chip just split; brand-new; as, a spick and span novelty. See Span-new . <-- now hypehnated, and more commonly meaning spotlessly clean -->

Howell.

Spicknel <Xpage=1385>

Spick"nel (?) , n. [Contr. from spike nail a large, long nail; -- so called in allusion to the shape of its capillary leaves.] (Bot.) An umbelliferous herb ( Meum Athamanticum ) having finely divided leaves, common in Europe; -- called also baldmoney , mew , and bearwort . [Written also spignel .]

Spicose <Xpage=1385>

Spi*cose" (?) , a. [L. spica a spike, or ear.] (Bot.) Having spikes, or ears, like corn spikes.

Spicosity <Xpage=1385>

Spi*cos"i*ty (?) , n. The state of having, or being full of, ears like corn. [R.]

Bailey.

Spicous <Xpage=1385>

Spi"cous (?) , a. (Bot.) See Spicose .

Spicula <Xpage=1385>

Spic"u*la (?) , n. ; pl. Spicul\'91 (#) . [NL., dim. of L. spica a spike, ear.] (Bot.) (a) A little spike; a spikelet. (b) A pointed fleshy appendage.

Spicular <Xpage=1385>

Spic"u*lar (?) , a. [L. spiculum a dart: cf. F. spiculaire .] Resembling a dart; having sharp points.

Spiculate <Xpage=1385>

Spic"u*late (?) , a. [L. spiculatus , p. p. of spiculare to sharpen, to point, fr. spiculum a dart.] 1. Covered with, or having, spicules.

2. (Bot.) Covered with minute spicul\'91, or pointed fleshy appendages; divided into small spikelets.

Spiculate <Xpage=1385>

Spic"u*late (?) , v. t. To sharpen to a point. [R.] "With spiculated paling."

Mason.

Spicule <Xpage=1385>

Spic"ule (?) , n. [L. spiculum a little point, a dart.] 1. A minute, slender granule, or point.

2. (Bot.) Same as Spicula .

3. (Zo\'94l.) Any small calcareous or siliceous body found in the tissues of various invertebrate animals, especially in sponges and in most Alcyonaria.

&hand; Spicules vary exceedingly in size and shape, and some of those found in siliceous sponges are very complex in structure and elegant in form. They are of great use in classification.

Description of the Illustration :

a Acerate; b Tricurvate, or Bowshaped; c d Hamate; e Broomshaped; f Scepterellate; g Spinispirulate; h Inequi-anchorate; i Sexradiate; j A Trichite Sheaf; k Six-rayed Capitate; l Rosette of Esperia ; m Equi-anchorate.

Spiculiform <Xpage=1385>

Spi*cu"li*form (?) , a. (Zo\'94l.) Having the shape of a spicule.

Spiculigenous <Xpage=1385>

Spic`u*lig"e*nous (?) , a. [L. spiculum + -genous .] (Zo\'94l.) Producing or containing spicules.

Spiculispongi\'91 <Xpage=1385>

Spic`u*li*spon"gi*\'91 (?) , n. pl. [NL.] (Zo\'94l.) A division of sponges including those which have independent siliceous spicules.

Spiculum <Xpage=1385>

Spic"u*lum (?) , n. ; pl. Spicula (#) . [L., a little point.] (Zo\'94l.) Same as Spicule .

Spicy <Xpage=1385>

Spi"cy (?) , a. [ Compar. Spicier (?) ; superl. Spiciest .] [From Spice .] 1. Flavored with, or containing, spice or spices; fragrant; aromatic; as, spicy breezes . "The spicy nut-brown ale."

Milton.

Led by new stars, and borne by spicy gales. Pope.

2. Producing, or abounding with, spices.

In hot Ceylon spicy forests grew. Dryden.

3. Fig.: Piquant; racy; as, a spicy debate .

Syn. -- Aromatic; fragrant; smart; pungent; pointed; keen. See Racy .

Spider <Xpage=1385>

Spi"der (?) , n. [OE. spi<?/re , fr. AS. spinnan to spin; -- so named from spinning its web; cf. D. spin a spider, G. spinne , Sw. spindel . Seee Spin .] 1. (Zo\'94l.) Any one of numerous species of arachnids comprising the order Araneina. Spiders have the mandibles converted into poison fangs, or falcers. The abdomen is large and not segmented, with two or three pairs of spinnerets near the end, by means of which they spin threads of silk to form cocoons, or nests, to protect their eggs and young. Many species spin also complex webs to entrap the insects upon which they prey. The eyes are usually eight in number (rarely six), and are situated on the back of the cephalothorax. See Illust . under Araneina .

&hand; Spiders are divided into two principal groups: the Dipneumona, having two lungs: and the Tetrapneumona, having four lungs. See Mygale . The former group includes several tribes; as, the jumping spiders (see Saltigrad\'91 ), the wolf spiders, or Citigrad\'91 (see under Wolf ), the crab spiders, or Laterigrad\'91 (see under Crab ), the garden, or geometric, spiders, or Orbitell\'91 (see under Geometrical , and Garden ), and others. See Bird spider , under Bird , Grass spider , under Grass , House spider , under House , Silk spider , under Silk .

2. (Zo\'94l.) Any one of various other arachnids resembling the true spiders, especially certain mites, as the red spider (see under Red ).

3. An iron pan with a long handle, used as a kitchen utensil in frying food. Originally, it had long legs, and was used over coals on the hearth.

4. A trevet to support pans or pots over a fire. <-- = trivet -->

5. (Mach.) A skeleton, or frame, having radiating arms or members, often connected by crosspieces; as, a casting forming the hub and spokes to which the rim of a fly wheel or large gear is bolted; the body of a piston head; a frame for strengthening a core or mold for a casting, etc.