SPELL OUT

{v.} 1. To say or read aloud the letters ot a word, one by one; spell. * /John could not understand the word the teacher was saying, so she spelled it out on the blackboard./ 2. To read slowly, have trouble in understanding. * /The little boy spelled out the printed words./ 3. {informal} To explain something in very simple words; explain very clearly. * /The class could not understand the problem, so the teacher spelled it out for them./ * /Before the game the coach spelled out to the players what he wanted them to do./ Compare: WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE.