Dictionary    Maps    Thesaurus    Translate    Advanced >   


Tip: Click Thesaurus above for synonyms. Also, follow synonym links within the dictionary to find definitions from other sources.

1. WordNet® 3.0 (2006)
spreading
    n 1: process or result of distributing or extending over a wide
         expanse of space [syn: spread, spreading]
    2: the opening of a subject to widespread discussion and debate
       [syn: dissemination, airing, public exposure,
       spreading]
    3: act of extending over a wider scope or expanse of space or
       time [syn: spread, spreading]

2. The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Spread \Spread\ (spr[e^]d), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Spread; p. pr.
   & vb. n. Spreading.] [OE. spreden, AS. spraedan; akin to D.
   spreiden, spreijen, LG. spreden, spreen, spreien, G.
   spreiten, Dan. sprede, Sw. sprida. Cf. Spray water flying
   in drops.]
   1. To extend in length and breadth, or in breadth only; to
      stretch or expand to a broad or broader surface or extent;
      to open; to unfurl; as, to spread a carpet; to spread a
      tent or a sail.
      [1913 Webster]

            He bought a parcel of a field where he had spread
            his tent.                             --Gen. xxxiii.
                                                  19.
      [1913 Webster]

            Here the Rhone
            Hath spread himself a couch.          --Byron.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To extend so as to cover something; to extend to a great
      or greater extent in every direction; to cause to fill or
      cover a wide or wider space.
      [1913 Webster]

            Rose, as in a dance, the stately trees, and spread
            Their branches hung with copious fruit. --Milton.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. To divulge; to publish, as news or fame; to cause to be
      more extensively known; to disseminate; to make known
      fully; as, to spread a report; -- often accompanied by
      abroad.
      [1913 Webster]

            They, when they were departed, spread abroad his
            fame in all that country.             --Matt. ix.
                                                  31.
      [1913 Webster]

   4. To propagate; to cause to affect great numbers; as, to
      spread a disease.
      [1913 Webster]

   5. To diffuse, as emanations or effluvia; to emit; as,
      odoriferous plants spread their fragrance.
      [1913 Webster]

   6. To strew; to scatter over a surface; as, to spread manure;
      to spread lime on the ground.
      [1913 Webster]

   7. To prepare; to set and furnish with provisions; as, to
      spread a table.
      [1913 Webster]

            Boiled the flesh, and spread the board. --Tennyson.
      [1913 Webster]

   To spread cloth, to unfurl sail. [Obs.] --Evelyn.
      [1913 Webster]

   Syn: To diffuse; propagate; disperse; publish; distribute;
        scatter; circulate; disseminate; dispense.
        [1913 Webster]

Common Misspellings >
Most Popular Searches: Define Misanthrope, Define Pulchritudinous, Define Happy, Define Veracity, Define Cornucopia, Define Almuerzo, Define Atresic, Define URL, Definitions Of Words, Definition Of Get Up, Definition Of Quid Pro Quo, Definition Of Irreconcilable Differences, Definition Of Word, Synonyms of Repetitive, Synonym Dictionary, Synonym Antonyms. See our main index and map index for more details.

©2011-2024 ZebraWords.com - Define Yourself - The Search for Meanings and Meaning Means I Mean. All content subject to terms and conditions as set out here. Contact Us, peruse our Privacy Policy