span n. length; distance; duration; period of time; section between two bridge supports; wing span; distance between the tip of an outstretched thumb and little finger; unit of length equal to the space between thumb and little finger
span v. to extend across; to stretch from one point another; to bridge; to measure with an extended hand; to surround with the hand or hands
specialize v. to devote oneself to a particular profession or field of study; to adapt to a particular environment (Biology); to limit; to restrict; to make special
specialty n. distinguishing mark; unique ability; field in which one specializes; area of expertise; something having special qualities or worth
specification n. item or detail included in a description of requirements or plans; detailed written description of an invention submitted in a patent request
specify v. to describe clearly; to indicate; to itemize; to mark; to designate; to stipulate
speculate v. to meditate on a subject; reflect; to engage in a course of reasoning often based on inconclusive evidence; to engage in the buying or selling of a commodity with an element of risk on the chance of profit
spoil v. to impair the value or quality of; to damage irreparably; ruin; to impair the completeness, perfection, or unity of; flaw grievously; to do harm to the character, nature, or attitude of by over-solicitude, overindulgence, or excessive praise
sponsor n. one who donates money; person or organization that promotes or supports (an event, program, candidate, etc.); godparent
sponsor v. to back; to support; to finance; to subsidize; to promote
sporadic adj. irregular; fitful; occasional; infrequent
sprinkle n. the act of sprinkling; a light rainfall; a small amount; a sprinkling
sprinkle v. to scatter in drops or particles; to scatter drops or particles on; to distribute or intersperse at random
square adj. having four equal sides enclosing four equal angles; shaped like a square; perpendicular; aligned; sturdy; fair; honest; settled; even
square n. geometric figure having four equal sides; something shaped like a square; open area in a town or city; plaza; exponent of 2; tool with straight edges and a right angle
stable adj. steady; firm; fixed; lasting; dependable; faithful; not susceptible to change
stack n. heap; tall bookshelf; chimney; (Computers) area in memory where information can be stored and then retrieved in the reverse order; (Internet) layers of the open system interconnection used to transfer information
stack v. to place one thing on top of another in a heap; to pile
staff v. to employ a group of workers; to provide with employees; to man
stagnant adj. not moving or flowing; motionless; showing little or no sign of activity or advancement; not developing or progressing; inactive; lacking vitality or briskness; sluggish or dull
stake v. to risk; to gamble; to finance; to underwrite; to mark off a boundary using stakes; to tie to a stake
stall n. stand; booth; pen; compartment in a stable for an animal; pretext to delay; protective covering for a finger; (Airplanes) loss of control; loss of lift; (British) orchestra seats
stall v. to put into a stable; to delay; to check the progress of; to cause to stop; to cause to turn off (of a motor)
stance n. physical position or bearing; opinion; attitude
stand out v. to be conspicuous; to be noticeable; to project; to protrude; to persist in one's opposition to something; to maintain an offshore course (Nautical)
standard adj. serving as a model; normal; regular; typical; widely accepted
standard n. model; criterion; norm; average; flag; banner; commodity which backs a monetary system
standpoint n. outlook; perspective; view; opinion; attitude
staple adj. essential; regularly used; primary; principal; main (of goods or products)
staple n. metal clip for binding papers; basic food item; essential element; main crop or product of a region; trade item that is constantly in demand; fiber (of wool, cotton, etc.)
startle v. to cause to make a quick involuntary movement or start; to alarm, frighten, or surprise suddenly