I. ˈsprü noun
( -s )
Etymology: Dutch spruw, from Middle Dutch sprouwe; akin to Middle Low German sprūwe, a kind of tumor
: a chronic deficiency disease characterized by a frothy fatty diarrhea and other digestive disturbances, a sore mouth and tongue, and macrocytic anemia that occurs in a tropical form which attacks chiefly adults and a nontropical form which begins usually in childhood
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: origin unknown
1.
a. : the hole through which metal or plastics is poured into the gate and thence into a mold
b. : the waste piece cast in this hole : dross
2.
a. : the part of each impression of a drop-forging die that receives the rough bar from which the forging is made and connects the edge of the die block with the gate or flash
b. : the waste portion of a drop forging that fills the sprue in the dies
III. noun
( -s )
Etymology: origin unknown
: spindling asparagus