spate

 
Pronunciation: /speɪt/

noun

  • 1a large number of similar things coming in quick succession: a spate of attacks on holidaymakers
  • 2chiefly British a sudden flood in a river.

Phrases

in (full) spate

(of a river) overflowing due to a sudden flood.
used to refer to a person or action that is continuing with vigour and without pause: the headmaster was in full spate

Origin:

late Middle English (originally Scots and northern English in the sense 'flood, inundation'): of unknown origin