/speɪt/ n.1.(series)(尤指令人不快的事物的)一连串, 一系列, 一大批
a spate of sth
+ attacks, scandals, bombings一连串…
the recent spate of attacks on horses最近针对马匹的一连串袭击
The guidelines were introduced five years ago after a spate of scandals.这些方针是在五年前一系列丑闻发生后采用的。
2.<尤英>(flood)大水；洪水；
3.<尤英>(downpour)暴雨；倾盆大雨
4.in spate<尤英>(河水)暴涨, 泛滥
The Thames was in spate, with flocks of Canada geese speeding downriver.泰晤士河河水暴涨, 成群的加拿大雁迅速游向下游。