SPIRALOZOOID Spi*ra`lo*zo"oid, n. Etym: [Spiral + zooid. So called because they often have a spiral form when contracted.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: One of the special defensive zooids of certain hydroids. They have the form of long, slender tentacles, and bear lasso cells.
SPIRANT
Spi"rant, n. Etym: [L. spirans, -antis, p. pr. of spirare to breathe.
See Spirit.] (Phon.)
Defn: A term used differently by different authorities; — by some as equivalent to fricative, — that is, as including all the continuous consonants, except the nasals m, n, ng; with the further exception, by others, of the liquids r, l, and the semivowels w, y; by others limited to f, v, th surd and sonant, and the sound of German ch, — thus excluding the sibilants, as well as the nasals, liquids, and semivowels. See Guide to Pronunciation, §§ 197-208.
SPIRANTHY
Spi*ran"thy, n. Etym: [Gr. (Bot.)
Defn: The occasional twisted growth of the parts of a flower.
SPIRATION
Spi*ra"tion, n. Etym: [L. spiratio, fr. spirare to breathe.]
Defn: The act of breathing. [Obs.] Barrow.
SPIRE
Spire, v. i. Etym: [L. spirare to breathe. See Spirit.]
Defn: To breathe. [Obs.] Shenstone.