Definition

Noun: 1. A sudden, large, and forceful flow of water: Specifically, a rapid rise in the water level of a river or stream, typically caused by heavy rain or melting snow. 2. A sudden, forceful outpouring or surge of something: Used to describe a large, often overwhelming, amount of something that arrives or occurs suddenly and in quick succession. 3. (Often followed by 'of') A large number, amount, or extent: A great quantity of things or events happening within a short period.

Examples

• Meaning 1 (Water flow):
  • The river was in spate after the storm, making it dangerous to cross.
  • The sudden spate washed away part of the road.
• Meaning 2 & 3 (Large, sudden amount):
  • The company received a spate of complaints about the new policy.
  • There has been a spate of burglaries in the neighborhood recently.
  • She uttered a spate of angry words before leaving the room.

Advanced Usage

• "To be in spate": This is a common phrase used specifically for rivers and streams, meaning they are flowing fast and high, often overflowing their banks.
  • After a week of rain, all the local rivers are in spate.

Variants and Related Words

• Spates (plural noun): The standard plural form.
  • The region has experienced several spates of flooding this year.

Synonyms

• Flood, deluge, torrent: For the meaning of a large flow of water.
• Outpouring, rush, surge, flurry, barrage: For the meaning of a sudden large amount of something non-physical (e.g., words, events).
• Lot, slew, wad, mint, plenty, passel, batch, deal: (Informal) For the meaning of a large number or amount.

Related Phrases

• A spate of [something]: This is the most common construction for meanings 2 and 3.
  • A spate of new regulations.
  • A spate of bad luck.

Noun

1. the occurrence of a water flow resulting from sudden rain or melting snow
2. a sudden forceful flow
3. (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent
   • a batch of letters
   • a deal of trouble
   • a lot of money
   • he made a mint on the stock market
   • see the rest of the winners in our huge passel of photos
   • it must have cost plenty
   • a slew of journalists
   • a wad of money