sprue

A chronic, chiefly tropical disease characterized by diarrhea, emaciation, and anemia, caused by defective absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract.

The hole through which molten material is channeled into a mold.

The waste material filling or protruding from this hole after hardening.

The usually plastic rod or framework that secures molded objects, such as model parts or game pieces, before their first use.

See sprew.

In casting metal, one of the passages leading from the “skimming-gate” to the mold; also, the metal which fills the sprue or sprue-gate after solidification: same as dead-head, 1 . Also called sprue-gate.

A piece of metal or wood used by a molder in making the ingate through the sand.

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.