spit
spit
UK[spɪt]US[spɪt]
v
to force out the liquid and other substances from your mouth
v
(of a fire or something being cooked) to throw out small pieces or sparks with short, sharp noises
n
the liquid produced in your mouth; saliva
n
a long, thin metal rod pushed through meat to hold and turn it while it is cooked over a fire
Etymology
the word "spit" originates from the old english verb "spittan," meaning to eject saliva from the mouth. it is part of a widespread family of onomatopoeic or expressive words found across germanic languages, such as old norse "spýta" and middle dutch "spitten," all imitating the sound or action of expelling something from the mouth. this core meaning of forceful ejection naturally extended to other contexts, such as a fire "spitting" sparks or fat from roasting meat. the noun form for the rod used in roasting derives from a separate old english root, "spitu," related to the action of piercing, which converged in spelling and pronunciation with the verb over time.
Analysis
this is a simplex word of old english origin. it functions as a complete, indivisible root.
Examples
it is rude to spit on the sidewalk.
the logs crackled and spat embers onto the hearth.
he wiped the spit from the corner of the baby's mouth.