squirt

Definition

An instrument from which a liquid is forcefully ejected in a small, quick stream.

Etymology

From Middle English squirten, squyrten, of uncertain origin; probably onomatopoeic. Akin to swirl. Compare Low German swirtjen (“to squirt”) and Swedish water onomatopoeias skvala, skvalp, skvimpa, and skvätta; Icelandic skvetta; and Norwegian skvette.

Example Sentences

• "The Karo-Bataks of Sumatra have a rain-making ceremony which lasts a week. The men go about with bamboo squirts and the women with bowls of water, and they drench each other or throw the water into the air and cry, "The rain has come," when it drips down on them."
• "Chances are you′ll get a squirt of citrus juice in your eye."
• "As the connection was broken, the receiver let out a shrill squirt of static."