To flow or come out suddenly in a stream or jet. To increase suddenly in speed, activity, or development for a short period.
Middle English origin, possibly imitative of the sound of liquid ejecting forcefully. Related to 'spirt' and possibly 'spout.' Originally described liquid movement, later extended to sudden bursts of activity or growth.
Growth spurts in teenagers perfectly capture the word's essence - sudden, dramatic changes that seem to happen almost overnight. The word's onomatopoetic quality makes it feel as sudden and energetic as the action it describes.
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