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Spectre Specter

Something preternaturally visible; an apparition; a ghost; a phantom.

Spectrobolometer

A combination of spectroscope and bolometer for determining the distribution of energy in a spectrum.

Spectroelectric

Pert. to or designating any form of spark tube the electric discharge within which is used in spectroscopic observations.

Spectrogram

A photograph, map, or diagram of a spectrum.

Spectrograph

An apparatus for photographing or mapping a spectrum. A photograph or picture of a spectrum.

Spectroheliogram

A photograph of the sun made by monochromatic light, usually of the calcium line (k), and showing the sun's faculae and prominences.

Spectroheliograph

An apparatus for making spectroheliograms, consisting of a spectroscopic camera used in combination with a telescope, and provided with clockwork for moving the sun's image across the slit.

Spectrological

Of or pertaining to spectrology; as, spectrological studies or experiments.

Spectrology

The science of spectrum analysis in any or all of its relations and applications.

Spectrometer

A spectroscope fitted for measurements of the luminious spectra observed with it.

Spectrometry

Art or process of using a spectrometer, of any type; -- when used alone, it usually refers to the use of a spectrometer using light in the visible, infrared, or ultraviolet region.

Spectrophone

An instrument constructed on the principle of the photophone and used in spectrum analysis as an adjunct to the spectroscope.

Spectrophotometer

An instrument for measuring or comparing the intensities of the colors of the spectrum.

Spectrophotometry

The art of comparing, photometrically, the brightness of two spectra, wave length by wave length; the use of the spectrophotometer.

Spectroscope

An optical instrument for forming and examining spectra (as that of solar light, or those produced by flames in which different substances are volatilized), so as to determine, from the position of the spectral lines, the composition of the substance.

Spectroscopist

One who investigates by means of a spectroscope; one skilled in the use of the spectroscope.

Spectroscopy

the art and science dealing with the use of a spectroscope, and the production and analysis of spectra; the action of using a spectroscope.

Specular

Having the qualities of a speculum, or mirror; having a smooth, reflecting surface; as, a specular metal; a specular surface.

Speculate

To consider attentively; as, to speculate the nature of a thing.

Speculatist

One who speculates, or forms theories; a speculator; a theorist.

Speculator

One who speculates. Specifically: (a) An observer; a contemplator; hence, a spy; a watcher.

Speculatory

Intended or adapted for viewing or espying; having oversight.

Speculist

One who observes or considers; an observer.

Speculum

A mirror, or looking-glass; especially, a metal mirror, as in Greek and Roman archaeology.

Sped

imp. p. p. of Speed.

Speech

To make a speech; to harangue.

Speechful

Full of speech or words; voluble; loquacious.

Speechifier

One who makes a speech or speeches; an orator; a declaimer.

Speechless

Destitute or deprived of the faculty of speech.

Speechmaker

One who makes speeches; one accustomed to speak in a public assembly.

Speed

To cause to be successful, or to prosper; hence, to aid; to favor.

Speeder

One who, or that which, speeds.

Speedwell

Any plant of the genus Veronica, mostly low herbs with pale blue corollas, which quickly fall off.

Speedy

Not dilatory or slow; quick; swift; nimble; hasty; rapid in motion or performance; as, a speedy flight; on speedy foot.

Speight

A woodpecker; -- called also specht, spekt, spight.

Speiss

A regulus consisting essentially of nickel, obtained as a residue in fusing cobalt and nickel ores with silica and sodium carbonate to make smalt.

Spekboom

The purslane tree of South Africa, -- said to be the favorite food of elephants.

Spekehouse

The parlor or reception room of a convent.

Spelding

A haddock or other small fish split open and dried in the sun; -- called also speldron.

Spelk

A small stick or rod used as a spike in thatching; a splinter.

Spell

To form words with letters, esp. with the proper letters, either orally or in writing.

Spellbind

To bind or hold by, or as if by, a spell or charm; to entrance or fascinate, esp. by eloquence of speech, as in a political campaign.

Spellwork

Power or effect of magic; that which is wrought by magic; enchantment.

Spelt

To split; to break; to spalt.

Spelter

Zinc; -- especially so called in commerce and arts.

Spence

A place where provisions are kept; a buttery; a larder; a pantry.

Spencer

A fore-and-aft sail, abaft the foremast or the mainmast, hoisted upon a small supplementary mast and set with a gaff and no boom; a trysail carried at the foremast or mainmast; -- named after its inventor, Knight Spencer, of England [1802].

Spend

To expend money or any other possession; to consume, use, waste, or part with, anything; as, he who gets easily spends freely.

Spender

One who spends; esp., one who spends lavishly; a prodigal; a spendthrift.

Spending

The act of expending; expenditure.

Spenserian

Of or pertaining to the English poet Spenser; -- specifically applied to the stanza used in his poem /The Fa/rie Queene./

Spent

Exhausted; worn out; having lost energy or motive force.

Sperate

Hoped for, or to be hoped for.

Sperge

A charge of wash for the still.

Sperling

A smelt; a sparling. A young herring.

Spermaceti

A white waxy substance obtained from cavities in the head of the sperm whale, and used making candles, oilments, cosmetics, etc. It consists essentially of ethereal salts of palmitic acid with ethal and other hydrocarbon bases. The substance of spermaceti after the removal of certain impurities is sometimes called cetin.

Spermaphore

That part of the ovary from which the ovules arise; the placenta.

Spermary

An organ in which spermatozoa are developed; a sperm gland; a testicle.

Spermatheca

A small sac connected with the female reproductive organs of insects and many other invertebrates, serving to receive and retain the spermatozoa.

Spermatic

Of or pertaining to semen; as, the spermatic fluid, the spermatic vessels, etc.

Spermatin

A substance allied to alkali albumin and to mucin, present in semen, to which it is said to impart the mucilaginous character.

Spermatium

One of the motionless spermatozoids in the conceptacles of certain fungi.

Spermatogenetic

Relating to, or connected with, spermatogenesis; as, spermatogenetic function.

Spermatogonium

A primitive seminal cell, occuring in masses in the seminal tubules. It divides into a mass (spermosphere) of small cells (spermoblast), which in turn give rise to spermatozoids.

Spermatophorous

Producing seed, or sperm; seminiferous; as, the so-called spermatophorous cells.

Spermatophyta

A phylum embracing the highest plants, or those that produce seeds; the seed plants, or flowering plants. They form the most numerous group, including over 120,000 species. In general, the group is characterized by the marked development of the sporophyte, with great differentiation of its parts (root, stem, leaves, flowers, etc.); by the extreme reduction of the gametophyte; and by the development of seeds. All the Spermatophyta are heterosporous; fertilization of the egg cell is either through a pollen tube emitted by the microspore or (in a few gymnosperms) by spermatozoids.

Spermatozoid

The male germ cell in animals and plants, the essential element in fertilization; a microscopic animalcule-like particle, usually provided with one or more cilia by which it is capable of active motion. In animals, the familiar type is that of a small, more or less ovoid head, with a delicate threadlike cilium, or tail. Called also spermatozoon. In plants the more usual term is antherozoid.

Spermic

Of or pertaining to sperm, or semen.

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