spat

You probably recognize the word spat from the phrase "lover's spat," which describes a minor squabble between a couple. The spat is usually over something as silly as which partner has to do the laundry, and the relationship usually recovers quickly, with no long-term harm done.

For the purposes of this definition, the noun spat refers to a minor argument or mild bickering. That is the definition by which spat is probably best known, but the word has other meanings. Depending on how you use spat, it can be the past participle of spit, the short piece of leather men wore over their shoes in the old days, or an oyster that hasn't quite reached its prime.

Primary Meanings of spat

1.	n v	a quarrel about petty points engage in a brief and petty quarrel
2.	n	a cloth covering (a legging) that covers the instep and ankles
3.	n v	a young oyster or other bivalve spawn
4.	v	come down like raindrops
5.	v	clap one's hands together
6.	v	become permanently attached

Full Definitions of spat

n a quarrel about petty points

Synonyms:: bicker, bickering, fuss, pettifoggery, squabble, tiff

Type of:: dustup, quarrel, row, run-in, words, wrangle
an angry dispute

v engage in a brief and petty quarrel

Type of:: altercate, argufy, dispute, quarrel, scrap
have a disagreement over something

n a cloth covering (a legging) that covers the instep and ankles

Synonyms:: gaiter

Type of:: leg covering, legging, leging
a garment covering the leg (usually extending from the knee to the ankle)

n a young oyster or other bivalve

Type of:: offspring, young
any immature animal

v spawn

“oysters spat”

Type of:: spawn
lay spawn

v come down like raindrops

“Bullets were spatting down on us”

Type of:: come down, fall, precipitate
fall from clouds

v strike with a sound like that of falling rain

“Bullets were spatting the leaves”

Type of:: collide with, hit, impinge on, run into, strike
hit against; come into sudden contact with

v clap one's hands together

Synonyms:: clap

Type of:: gesticulate, gesture, motion
show, express or direct through movement

v clap one's hands or shout after performances to indicate approval

Synonyms:: acclaim, applaud, clap

Antonyms:: boo, hiss
show displeasure, as after a performance or speech

Types:: bravo
applaud with shouts of `bravo' or `brava'

Type of:: gesticulate, gesture, motion
show, express or direct through movement

v become permanently attached

“mollusks or oysters spat”

Type of:: attach
become attached

Primary Meanings of spat

n a quarrel about petty points

v engage in a brief and petty quarrel

n a cloth covering (a legging) that covers the instep and ankles

n a young oyster or other bivalve

v spawn

v come down like raindrops

v strike with a sound like that of falling rain

v clap one's hands together

v clap one's hands or shout after performances to indicate approval

v become permanently attached

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spat

Primary Meanings of spat

n a quarrel about petty points

v engage in a brief and petty quarrel

n a cloth covering (a legging) that covers the instep and ankles

n a young oyster or other bivalve

v spawn

v come down like raindrops

v strike with a sound like that of falling rain

v clap one's hands together

v clap one's hands or shout after performances to indicate approval

v become permanently attached

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