spread

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spread[1,verb] spread[2,noun] point spread spread-eagle[1,verb] spread-eagle[2,adjective] spread eagle spread formation

Main Entry: ¹spread
Pronunciation: 'spred
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): spread; spread·ing
Etymology: Middle English spreden, from Old English -spr[AE]dan; akin to Old High German spreiten to spread
transitive verb
1 a : to open or expand over a larger area <spread out the map> b : to stretch out : EXTEND <spread its wings for flight>
2 a : to distribute over an area <spread fertilizer> b : to distribute over a period or among a group <spread the work over a few weeks> c : to apply on a surface <spread butter on bread> d (1) : to cover or overlay something with <spread the cloth on the table> (2) archaic : to cover completely e (1) : to prepare or furnish for dining : SET <spread the table> (2) : SERVE <spread the afternoon tea>
3 a : to make widely known <spread the news> b : to extend the range or incidence of <spread a disease> c : DIFFUSE, EMIT <flowers spreading their fragrance>
4 : to push apart by weight or force
intransitive verb
1 a : to become dispersed, distributed, or scattered b : to become known or disseminated <panic spread rapidly>
2 : to grow in length or breadth : EXPAND
3 : to move apart (as from pressure or weight) : SEPARATE
- spread·abil·i·ty /"spre-d&-'bi-l&-tE/ noun
- spread·able /'spre-d&-b&l/ adjective