spouted

Spouted is the past tense of the verb spout and, when used as an adjective, describes something that has a spout or is fitted to discharge liquid. As a verb, spouted means to eject or discharge in a jet, to emit a sudden stream of liquid or gas, or to speak at length and often pompously. The form can also appear in phrases such as spouting off, meaning to utter remarks in a boastful or verbose manner.

Etymology and form: Spouted derives from the noun spout, a projecting tube or pipe for pouring or discharging contents. The verb form is regular, yielding spouts in the present tense, spouted in the past tense, and spouting as the present participle. The adjective use typically indicates the presence or function of a spout, as in spouted vessels or spouted containers.

Usage and examples: In natural or mechanical contexts, spouted describes liquids or blasts issuing from a source, as in a whale spouting water or a container that spouted when tilted. In figurative language, it can describe a person who spouts statements or slogans, often implying showiness or repetition. Common examples include a spouted teapot, a spouted fountain, or a geyser that spouted steam and water.

See also: spout; spouting; spout (disambiguation).