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View synonyms for spud

spud

[ spuhd ]

noun

  1. Informal. a potato.
  2. a spadelike instrument, especially one with a narrow blade, as for digging up or cutting the roots of weeds.
  3. a chisel-like tool for removing bark.
  4. a pointed leg or stake for staying or supporting dredging or earth-boring machinery.
  5. a short pipe, as for connecting a water pipe with a meter.
  6. Surgery. an instrument having a dull flattened blade for removing substances or foreign bodies from certain parts of the body, as wax from the ear.


verb (used with object)

, spud·ded, spud·ding.
  1. to remove with a spud.

verb phrase

  1. to set up earth-boring equipment, especially for drilling an oil well.

spud

/ spʌd /

noun

  1. an informal word for potato
  2. a narrow-bladed spade for cutting roots, digging up weeds, etc
  3. Also calledspudder a tool, resembling a chisel, for removing bark from trees
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


verb

  1. tr to remove (bark) or eradicate (weeds) with a spud
  2. intr to drill the first foot of an oil-well
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of spud1

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English spudde “short knife”; further origin unknown
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Word History and Origins

Origin of spud1

C15 spudde short knife, of unknown origin; applied later to a digging tool, and hence to a potato
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Example Sentences

First, poke your spud with a fork to allow for even cooking and prevent any explosions.

I hate to ask who the maternal figure is behind “Mama’s” mashed potatoes, but the lackluster spuds don’t exactly rate the feel-good reference.

However, I tend to regulate these iterations of crispy spuds to lunch and dinner these days, thus filling me with joy and exuberance anytime I’m able to enjoy crunchy taters in the morning.

Some of the recipes traditionally called for pre- or par-cooked potatoes, but all can be cooked from raw spuds.

Below, you’ll find some great spud ideas for your Thanksgiving table.

Old Warrender would lean on his daisy-spud a pleased spectator of the Arcadian scene.

Again he caught a glimpse of the boy's arm amid all that spud and foam.

Spud Murphy, our officer, fought till his arm was disabled, but we continued to hold the trench.

She walked up and down with her spud for another half-hour before she could come to any conclusion.

Spud answered with a joyous oath that it certainly looked like it.

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SPUCspud-bashing