The spawn of shellfish, especially oysters and similar molluscs.
As spat-fall often occurs in areas away from environments suitable for oyster growing, the collection, transport and sale of oyster spat has developed into a separate industry.2005, TVR Pillay, MN Kutty, Aquaculture: Principles and practices, page 525:
But Orata’s oysters were, like the dormice and fish, collected in the wild, as spat.2018, Tim Flannery, Europe: A Natural History, page 243:
2
A juvenile shellfish which has attached to a hard surface.
Conditions in pearl oyster hatcheries are optimized for growth and survival of spat.2011, The Pearl Oyster, page 256:
If the spat are allowed to remain attached to the tank bottom for more than two days, they are difficult to remove without damage to the shell.1988, Bivalve Mollusc Culture Research in Thailand, page 28:
Aeronautics, Aerospace, Aviation, Business, Engineering, Natural sciences, Physical sciences A drag-reducing aerodynamic fairing covering the upper portions of the tyres of an aeroplane equipped with non-retractable landing gear.
spat
verb
Etymology 1804. American English, probably imitative.
1
To quarrel or argue pettily briefly.
spat
noun
Etymology 1804. American English, probably imitative.
1
A brief argument, falling out, quarrel.
get into a trivial spat over punctuality
have a vicious spat with the cousins
1 more example
The downside of this cost-saving strategy was that the train service could only be covered by goodwill. Whenever there was a spat between ASLEF and management - regardless of cause - the withdrawal of this goodwill became a stick with which unions could beat management.2022 November 16, Graham Eccles, “The Rest Day Working saga...”, in RAIL, number 970, page 32:
spat
verb
Etymology Attested from 1823.
1
To strike with a spattering sound.
He felt the wind of a second bullet that spatted against a boulder near Barney.1922, B. M. Bower, chapter 3, in The Trail of the White Mule:
"She mentioned she had spatted Kelsey on her diaper with a hairbrush," said Mildred Johnson, a co-worker.2007 July 13, Nolan Clay, “Co-workers testify about Kelsey's mother”, in Daily Oklahoman, retrieved 25 Aug 2009:
2
US, Dialectal To slap, as with the open hand; to clap together, as the hands.
Little Isabel leaped up and down, spatting her hands.1845, Sylvester Judd, Margaret:
spat
noun
Etymology Attested from 1823.
1
A light blow with something flat.
spat
noun
Etymology From Latin spatium (“space”).
1
An obsolete unit of distance in astronomy (symbol S), equal to one billion kilometres.