spurt

Everyday

1. To spurt is for a liquid to shoot out suddenly and fast in a stream, like water from a burst pipe. tree →
2. A spurt is a sudden short burst of speed, energy or effort. tree →
3. A spurt is also a short gush of liquid. tree →
4. A growth spurt is a time when a child grows taller very quickly. tree →

In the lessons

In science, pressure makes liquids spurt out of small holes. In sport and PE, a spurt of speed helps win a race. In health lessons, children learn about growth spurts. In first aid, blood that spurts from a cut is serious: press hard and get help fast. Phrases: «growth spurt», «in spurts», «a spurt of energy».

Examples

• Water spurted out of the broken pipe. tree →
• Juice spurted out when I squeezed the orange. tree →
• She put on a spurt and won the race. tree →
• He had a growth spurt and needs new trousers. tree →
• I work in spurts, then take a break. tree →
• Blood was spurting from the cut, so we called for help. tree →
• The fountain spurted water high into the air. tree →
• The puppy had a sudden spurt of energy. tree →
• The blood spurted out freely, and she fell to the ground as if she was dead. tree →

Note

Past form: spurted. Countable noun: a spurt, spurts. Do not confuse with «squirt», which is similar but often smaller and on purpose, like squirting a water pistol. First aid: spurting blood means a serious wound; press on it and call emergency help.