spoor
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /spʊə/
KK: /spʊr/
noun
Definition
A mark or trail left by an animal, especially a wild one, that shows where it has been.
Example
The ranger followed the spoor to find the animal's den.
Conversation
Did you see the spoor on the trail this morning?
Yeah, it looked fresh! I wonder what animal left it.
I think it might be from a deer, they often roam around here.
That's cool! Let's follow it and see where it leads.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
trail
track
scent
Antonyms
absence
void
disappearance
transitive verb
Definition
To track an animal by following its footprints or traces left behind.
Example
The ranger decided to spoor the deer to learn more about its habits.
Tense Forms
Past: spored
Past Participle: spored
Conversation
Have you ever tried to spoor a deer in the woods?
No, I haven't, but it sounds exciting!
It really is; you just follow their tracks and signs.
Root Explanation
The word 'spoor' originates from Dutch 'spoor', meaning track or trace. It refers to the tracks left by animals, particularly in the context of hunting or tracking.
Memory Tip
Think of the Dutch word 'spoor' meaning track — this helps you remember that 'spoor' refers to the traces or tracks left by animals.
Visually Confused Words
spor
poor
sponsor
sport
spore
sopor
soord
shoor