spring (n.)

  1. the season of growth; the emerging buds were a sure sign of spring; he will hold office until the spring of next year

    [ Syn: springtime ]

  2. a metal elastic device that returns to its shape or position when pushed or pulled or pressed; the spring was broken'

  3. a natural flow of ground water

    [ Syn: fountain , outflow , outpouring , natural spring ]

  4. a point at which water issues forth

  5. the elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length

    [ Syn: give , springiness ]

  6. a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards

    [ Syn: leap , leaping , saltation , bound , bounce ]

    spring (v.)

  1. move forward by leaps and bounds; The horse bounded across the meadow; The child leapt across the puddle; Can you jump over the fence?

    [ Syn: jump , leap , bound ]

  2. develop into a distinctive entity; our plans began to take shape

    [ Syn: form , take form , take shape ]

  3. spring back; spring away from an impact; The rubber ball bounced; These particles do not resile but they unite after they collide

    [ Syn: bounce , resile , take a hop , bound , rebound , recoil , reverberate , ricochet ]

  4. develop suddenly; The tire sprang a leak'

  5. produce or disclose suddenly or unexpectedly; He sprang these news on me just as I was leaving'

The dictionary is based on the WordNet Electronic Lexical Database.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2011 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.