— sprinter , n.
/sprint/ , v.i.
1. to race or move at full speed, esp. for a short distance, as in running, rowing, etc.
v.t.
2. to traverse in sprinting: to sprint a half mile.
n.
3. a short race at full speed.
4. a burst of speed at any point during a long race, as near the finish line.
5. a brief spell of great activity.
[ 1560-70; perh. continuing OE * sprintan (cf. gesprintan to emit); c. ON spretta, OHG sprinzan to jump up ]