Spurt

Spurt is a term used to describe a brief, forceful discharge of liquid or gas, or a short, rapid period of activity or growth. As a verb, it means to eject suddenly or to shoot out in a jet. As a noun, it can refer to the discharge itself or to a sudden surge of energy or development, such as a growth spurt.

History and etymology: The word dates from the late 16th century and derives from earlier Germanic or Dutch roots, such as spuiten, meaning to spray or spur out. The sense emphasizes a quick, directed projection rather than a gradual flow.

Contexts: In fluids, spurts are seen when water or other liquids are expelled in quick, intermittent jets—for example, from a hose, fountain, or animal spouting water. In medicine, spurting blood describes a pulsatile jet that rises with each heartbeat, indicating arterial bleeding. In biology, growth spurts denote periods of rapid height or mass gain, common during puberty. In sports and everyday speech, a spurt is a sudden burst of speed, effort, or activity that lasts a short time.