spell1

 
Pronunciation: /spɛl/

verb (past and past participle spelled or chiefly British spelt)

[with object]
  • 1write or name the letters that form (a word) in correct sequence: Dolly spelled her name [no object]: journals have a house style about how to spell
  • (of letters) make up or form (a word): the letters spell the word ‘how’
  • 2be a sign or characteristic of: she had the chic, efficient look that spells Milan
  • mean or have as a result: the plans would spell disaster for the economy

Phrasal Verbs

spell something out

explain something in detail: I’ll spell out the problem again

Origin:

Middle English: shortening of Old French espeller, from the Germanic base of spell2