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Spawn: meaning, definitions and examples

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spawn

 

[spɔn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

create life

To spawn means to produce or generate offspring, particularly in the context of aquatic animals such as fish, amphibians, and some marine invertebrates. It can also refer to the action of generating ideas, projects, or software in a more figurative sense. In gaming, spawning refers to the act of creating player characters or items within a digital environment. The term has roots in both biology and technology, highlighting its versatility in use.

Synonyms

create, generate, produce.

Examples of usage

  • The fish spawn in early spring.
  • The programmer decided to spawn new instances of the application.
  • In the game, monsters will spawn at dawn.
Context #2 | Noun

offspring production

In the context of biology, spawn refers to the eggs or seeds produced by aquatic organisms such as fish or amphibians. The term often describes the mass of egg cells deposited in water. Spawn is vital for the reproduction of various species and plays a crucial role in the ecosystem. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the beginning stages of a new idea or project.

Synonyms

eggs, offspring, seed.

Examples of usage

  • The spawn of the frog was found in a small pond.
  • The fisherman discovered the spawn of salmon in the river.
  • After laying their spawn, the fish swam away.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'spawn' comes from the Old French 'espoigne' meaning 'to spawn or produce.'
  • The term originally referred specifically to fish eggs and has expanded over time to include various types of reproduction.
  • In Middle English, it was often used in the context of 'to produce offspring or young.'

Biology

  • In aquatic environments, spawning is critical for species survival, as many fish release millions of eggs at once.
  • Some amphibians, like frogs, also spawn in water, where their eggs can develop into tadpoles, a unique life cycle adaptation.
  • Certain species exhibit fascinating spawning rituals, like the colorful displays of male fish to attract females.

Pop Culture

  • In video games, 'spawn' often refers to the moment when characters or creatures appear in the game world.
  • The term is popularized in internet culture to describe the rapid emergence of new ideas or content, like memes that 'spawn' across social media.
  • Movies and comic books often depict characters that can 'spawn' multiple versions of themselves, showcasing the concept of duplication.

Video Games

  • In gaming, 'spawn points' are locations where players or creatures appear, influencing strategy and gameplay.
  • The spawn mechanic can determine the pace of a game, influencing the tactics players use to secure resources or objectives.
  • Popular games have unique spawn systems that can drastically affect the player experience and overall game flow.

Environmental Science

  • Spawning is essential for the maintenance of biodiversity as it ensures the next generation of species continues to thrive.
  • Understanding spawning behaviors is crucial for conservation efforts, especially in protecting endangered fish populations.
  • Seasonal changes can greatly impact spawning patterns in aquatic animals, making it a key focus for scientists studying climate change effects.

Translations

Translations of the word "spawn" in other languages:

🇵🇹 gerar

🇮🇳 उत्पन्न करना

🇩🇪 zeugen

🇮🇩 munculkan

🇺🇦 випускати

🇵🇱 spawnować

🇯🇵 発生させる

🇫🇷 engendrer

🇪🇸 generar

🇹🇷 doğurmak

🇰🇷 출생하다

🇸🇦 توليد

🇨🇿 vytvořit

🇸🇰 vytvoriť

🇨🇳 产生

🇸🇮 ustvariti

🇮🇸 framleiða

🇰🇿 туғызу

🇬🇪 გახდომა

🇦🇿 yaratmaq

🇲🇽 generar

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,117, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.