Metal left over after casting

• Waste metal
• A chronic disorder that occurs in tropical and nontropical forms and in both children and adults
• Symptoms include foul-smelling diarrhea and emaciation

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 is the passage through which liquid material is introduced into a mold. In many cases it controls the flow of metal into the mold. During casting or molding , the material in the sprue will solidify and need to be removed from the finished part. ...

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.

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 ...