"Spies" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers
Secret agents or intelligence officers who gather information for espionage or sabotage.
Spidersort, also known as false spiderwort, is a common name for a number of species of flowering plants in the genus Tradescantia. The name is derived from the weaving habit of the vines with thin, wiry stems.
Describing something that has a delicate or intricate network of threads or lines, often suggesting a sense of eeriness, unease, or mystery. For example, a "spidery handwriting style" or a "spidery network of streets".
Caught sight of someone or something secretly or unexpectedly, typically in order to gather information or to check something's authenticity.
Spiedini are typically Italian-style skewers of small pieces of meat (usually beef, pork, or lamb), poultry, or seafood, typically served as an appetizer. The word comes from the Italian verb "spiedino," which is shortened from "spiedinare," meaning "to thread," which describes the action of threading meat onto skewers.
Spiessleisen (or spiegeleisen) is a type of drill or file used for sharpening and polishing metal cutting edges, particularly small tools and scissors. The name comes from the German words "spieß," meaning "spike" or "pointed object," and "leisen," which means "to sharpen" or "to hone."<br><br>A spiegeleisen is a small, handheld tool with a series of small, pointed spikes or scales on its surface, which are made from a hard, abrasive material, usually made from a type of steel or carbide. It is used to sharpen the edge of a tool by drawing the tool across the spiegeleisen's surface, thereby sharpening the cutting edge by removing metal and polishing it.<br><br>This technique is still used by toolmakers and craftspeople today, particularly for sharpening small, delicate tools and instruments, such as scissors, knives, and blades.
Spiegelgasse (plural: Spiegelgassen) is a German word that is commonly used by English speakers as well, especially when discussing the history and language of Austria.<br><br>The term "Spiegelgasse" roughly translates to "Mirror Alley" or "Mirror Lane" in English. In this context, the word refers to a narrow street or alleyway in the historic center of Vienna, the capital city of Austria.<br><br>However, the most famous reference to "Spiegelgasse" is probably to the psychological article "Spiegelgasse" by Austrian psychiatrist Sigmund Freud, written in 1910 for the series of lectures "Five Lectures on Psycho-Analysis" and later published in the collection "Collected Papers".
A term commonly used in several contexts:<br><br>In sports, a "spiel" refers to a series of statements or comments, often in the form of a narrative, used by a coach to motivate or instruct an athlete or a team, usually in basketball. It's a way to encourage, demotivate, or make light of a situation.<br><br>More broadly, a spiel can describe a long, continuous stream of speech, often used to persuade or sell a product or idea. This usage is often in a professional setting, such as sales, marketing, or public speaking.<br><br>In gaming, particularly in role-playing games, a "spiel" can refer to a set of pre-planned dialogue or scripted statements used to promote a product, service, or idea.<br><br>A jugar (Nickel City only in Germany) was used as a different word.<br><br>In detailed syntax, Spiel can be heard in Germany literally "played motion; play."
Stephen Spielberg is an American filmmaker widely known for his work in the cinema industry and his iconic films are Jurassic Park, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Jaws.
A colloquial or informal term for something that is excellent or outstanding, often used to express admiration or approval.
"Spiffing" is an informal word used in British English that means something is excellent, fantastic, or of high quality. It can also imply a sense of smartness, tidiness, or being in good condition. For example, "This new sports car is spiffing, isn't it?"
Playful or informal term used to describe something as stylish, fashionable, or impressive, often used to express approval or appreciation.
The word "spigelian" refers to a specific type of hernia, known as a Spigelian hernia. It is a rare type of hernia that occurs through the spigelian fascia, which is a layer of tissue that lies between the rectus abdominis muscle and the semilunar line of the abdomen. Spigelian hernias are relatively rare, but they can be serious and require medical attention.
A spigot is a device for tapping or controlling the flow of a liquid, such as a faucet or tap for a beer barrel. More broadly, it can refer to any valve or tap that controls the flow of fluid from a container.
Spignel is a rare or obsolete word for "meadow sexoatuberscens" or "meadowsweet". It is a perennial herb native to Europe, western Asia and north Africa.