Waste metal

• Opening to a mold
• Nutrients are not absorbed
• Dross

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Sprue \Sprue\ (spr[udd]), n. [Etymol. uncertain.] (Founding) Strictly, the hole through which melted metal is poured into the gate, and thence into the mold. The waste piece of metal cast in this hole; hence, dross. (Med.) Same as Sprew .

Wikipedia Word definitions in Wikipedia
A sprue may refer to: Sprue (manufacturing) , a feature in molding and casting molds Coeliac disease , also known as sprue, a disease of the small intestine Tropical sprue , disease Sprue Asparagus , first pickings of asparagus

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
Etymology 1 n. (context medicine English) A tropical disease causing a sore throat and tongue, and disturbed digestion; psilosis. Etymology 2 n. 1 (context founding English) The hole through which melted metal is poured into the gate, and thence into the ...

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. a chronic disorder that occurs in tropical and nontropical forms and in both children and adults; nutrients are not absorbed; symptoms include foul-smelling diarrhea and emaciation [syn: tropical sprue ]

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
"piece of metal (later plastic) attached to a cast object," 1875, earlier (1849) "channel through which metal is poured into a mold;" of unknown origin.