spout
UK: spaʊt | US: spaʊt
n. a tube or pipe through which liquid is poured or discharged
vt. to eject liquid in a stream
vi. to flow or gush out forcefully
The word "spout" originates from Middle English spouten, derived from Old Norse spýta (to spit). The morpheme sp- reflects the sound or action of forceful ejection (seen in related words like "spew" or "spit"), while -out emphasizes directional flow outward. Over time, it evolved from describing bodily expulsion (e.g., spitting) to mechanical or natural liquid discharge (e.g., a teapot spout). The logic hinges on the vivid imagery of abrupt, directed emission.
Water spouted from the broken pipe, flooding the street.
The whale spouted a jet of mist into the air.
She carefully poured tea from the spout of the kettle.
The fountain spouts water every hour on the hour.
He angrily spouted nonsense during the debate.