sprue: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very Low FrequencySpecialised / Technical
Quick answer
What does “sprue” mean?
1. A channel through which molten metal or plastic is poured into a mould.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
1. A channel through which molten metal or plastic is poured into a mould. 2. A chronic intestinal disease causing malabsorption, especially in tropical regions.
In manufacturing: the waste material from such a channel, or the channel itself. In medicine: a syndrome characterised by diarrhoea, weight loss, and malabsorption of nutrients, historically termed 'tropical sprue' or 'coeliac sprue' (coeliac disease).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The manufacturing term is identical in usage. The medical term 'coeliac sprue' is more common in American medical literature, while 'coeliac disease' is preferred in the UK; 'tropical sprue' is used in both.
Connotations
Technical/neutral for manufacturing. Medical connotations are serious and clinical.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday language. Slightly higher frequency in American medical texts for the coeliac variant.
Grammar
How to Use “sprue” in a Sentence
The [material] was fed through the sprue.The patient presented with [symptoms] indicative of sprue.To remove the sprue from the casting.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sprue” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The mould was designed to sprue efficiently.
- The metal is sprued into the cavity.
American English
- We need to sprue the mould differently.
- The plastic sprued through the gate.
adjective
British English
- The sprue channel was blocked.
- He had sprue-like symptoms.
American English
- The sprue design is critical.
- A sprue-related complication.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in manufacturing/production reports: 'We reduced waste by optimising the sprue design.'
Academic
In medical journals: 'The pathophysiology of tropical sprue involves bacterial overgrowth.' In engineering papers: 'Simulation of molten metal flow in the sprue system.'
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in foundry work, injection moulding, and gastroenterology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sprue”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sprue”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sprue”
- Pronouncing it as /spraʊ/ (like 'sprow'). Using it in a general context without explanation. Confusing the medical and manufacturing senses.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are etymologically distinct homographs. The manufacturing term comes from Dutch 'spruw' meaning 'sprout' or 'twig'. The medical term's origin is uncertain but may come from the same Dutch word, applied to the condition due to a visual resemblance of sores to sprouting twigs.
No, it is a very low-frequency, specialised term. An average native speaker might never encounter it outside of specific technical or medical contexts.
Context is essential. Words like 'mould', 'casting', 'metal', or 'plastic' indicate the manufacturing sense. Words like 'patient', 'diarrhoea', 'malabsorption', or 'tropical' indicate the medical sense.
Yes, but it is highly specialised. In manufacturing contexts, 'to sprue' can mean to form or connect with a sprue, or to remove the sprue from a casting. It is rarely used.
1. A channel through which molten metal or plastic is poured into a mould.
Sprue is usually specialised / technical in register.
Sprue: in British English it is pronounced /spruː/, and in American English it is pronounced /spruː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a TREE growing in a TROPICAL region causing stomach issues (tropical sprue). Or, think of a crew pouring molten metal through a SCREW-shaped channel (sprue).
Conceptual Metaphor
Manufacturing: A sprue is a ROAD or ARTERY for liquid material. Medical: The intestine is a LEAKY PIPE (malabsorption).
Practice
Quiz
In which field would you most likely encounter the term 'tropical sprue'?