Part 228

Spin*thar"i*scope (?), n. [Gr. spinqari`s spark + -scope.] A small instrument containing a minute particle of a radium compound mounted in front of a fluorescent screen and viewed with magnifying lenses. The tiny flashes produced by the continual bombardment of the screen by the α rays are thus rendered visible. -- Spin*thar`i*scop"ic (#), a.

Spit ball. (Baseball) A pitched ball in throwing which the pitcher grips the ball between two, or three, fingers on one side (which is made slippery, as by saliva) and the thumb on the other side, and delivers it so that it slips off the fingers with the least possible friction. When pitched directly overhand a spit ball darts downward, when pitched with the arm extended sidewise it darts down and out. -- Spit baller.

Split, n. 1. (a) (Basketwork) Any of the three or four strips into which osiers are commonly cleft for certain kinds of work; -- usually in pl. (b) (Weaving) Any of the dents of a reed. (c) Any of the air currents in a mine formed by dividing a larger current.

2. Short for Split shot or stroke.

3. (Gymnastics) The feat of going down to the floor so that the legs extend in a straight line, either with one on each side or with one in front and the other behind. [Cant or Slang]

4. A small bottle (containing about half a pint) of some drink; -- so called as containing half the quantity of the customary smaller commercial size of bottle; also, a drink of half the usual quantity; a half glass. [Cant or Slang]

Split, a. (Exchanges) (a) Divided so as to be done or executed part at one time or price and part at another time or price; -- said of an order, sale, etc. (b) Of quotations, given in sixteenth, quotations in eighths being regular; as, 10 is a split quotation. (c) (London Stock Exchange) Designating ordinary stock that has been divided into preferred ordinary and deferred ordinary.

Split dynamometer. (Elec.) An electric dynamometer having two coils so arranged that one carries the primary current, and the other the secondary current, of a transformer.

Split infinitive. (Gram.) A simple infinitive with to, having a modifier between the verb and the to; as in, to largely decrease. Called also cleft infinitive.

Split key. (Mach.) A key split at one end like a split pin, for the same purpose.

{ Split shot or stroke }. In croquet, etc., a shot or stroke in which one drives in different directions one's own and the opponent's ball placed in contact.

Split stitch. A stitch used in stem work to produce a fine line, much used in old church embroidery to work the hands and faces of figures.

Split stuff. Timber sawn into lengths and then split.

Split switch. (Railroading) = Point switch.

Split wheel. = Split pulley.

Spoon (?), n. (Golf) A wooden club with a lofted face. Encyc. of Sport.

Spoon, v. t. 1. (Fishing) To catch by fishing with a spoon bait.

He had with him all the tackle necessary for spooning pike.

Mrs. Humphry Ward.

2. In croquet, golf, etc., to push or shove (a ball) with a lifting motion, instead of striking with an audible knock.

Spoon, v. i. 1. To fish with a spoon bait.

2. In croquet, golf, etc., to spoon a ball.

Spoon"flow`er (?), n. The yautia.

Spo"ro*phyte (?), n. [Spore + Gr. &?; plant.] (Bot.) In plants exhibiting alternation of generations, the generation which bears asexual spores; -- opposed to gametophyte. It is not clearly differentiated in the life cycle of the lower plants. -- Spo`ro*phyt"ic (#), a.

Spo`ro*zo"ite (?), n. (Zoöl.) In certain Sporozoa, a small active, usually elongate, sickle-shaped or somewhat amœboid spore, esp. one of those produced by division of the passive spores into which the zygote divides. The sporozoites reproduce asexually.

Spot (?), a. Lit., being on the spot, or place; hence (Com.), on hand for immediate delivery after sale; -- said of commodities; as, spot wheat.

Spot cash. (Com.) Cash paid or ready for payment at once upon delivery of property purchased.

Spot"light` (?), n. The projected spot or circle of light used to illuminate brilliantly a single person or object or group on the stage; leaving the rest of the stage more or less unilluminated; hence, conspicuous public notice. [Cant or Colloq.]