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to spat
01
to clap together or strike the hands
Transitive: to spat one's hands
Example
The children gathered in a circle, singing and spatting their hands in time with the music.
The fans at the concert spatted their hands together, creating an energetic and rhythmic beat.
The dance instructor demonstrated the steps, urging the class to spat their hands to the lively rhythm.
02
to have a quick and small argument, usually over unimportant matters
Intransitive: to spat | to spat about sth | to spat over sth
Example
Friends occasionally spat about choosing a place to eat for lunch.
They spat over who should do the dishes after dinner.
The siblings often spat about which TV show to watch.
03
(of shellfish) to spawn or release larvae
Intransitive
Example
The oysters spat during the breeding season, releasing their larvae into the water.
After the mature mussels are exposed to the right conditions, they spat, scattering their tiny offspring.
The clam population thrived as they spatted abundantly, ensuring the survival and propagation of their species.
04
to produce a splattering or smacking noise
Intransitive
Example
The rain spatted against the windowpane, creating a rhythmic tapping sound.
The hailstones spatted against the roof, making a loud and rapid tapping noise.
The popcorn kernels spatted in the hot oil, producing a delightful popping sound.
Spat
01
a short quarrel about a matter that is unimportant
02
a young oyster or other bivalve that has recently settled and attached itself to a surface in its natural habitat
03
a cloth covering (a legging) that covers the instep and ankles
