Search results for 'spread':

spread verb (spread, spreading) 1 tr & intr to apply, or be capable of being applied, in a smooth coating over a surface • spread the butter on the toast • This butter spreads easily. 2 (also spread out or spread something out) to extend or make it extend or scatter, often more widely or more thinly. 3 (also spread something out) to open it out or unfold it, especially to its full extent • spread the sheet on the bed. 4 tr & intr to transmit or be transmitted or distributed • Flies spread disease • Rumours began to spread. 5 a to separate or come undone or apart; b to force apart. noun 1 a the act, process or extent of spreading; b coverage or expanse, area • This mobile phone has a 98% spread. 2 a food in paste form, for spreading on bread, etc. 3 a originally a pair of facing pages in a newspaper or magazine; b loosely an article in a newspaper or magazine • a huge spread on Madonna. 4 colloq a lavish meal • put on a scrumptious spread. 5 a N Amer a farm and its lands, usually one given over to cattle-rearing; b a large house with extensive grounds. 6 colloq increased fatness around the waist and hips • middle-age spread. 7 a cover, especially for a bed or table. 8 stock exchange the difference between the price that is bid for shares and the price they are offered at. adj 1 being in or having an extended, wide or open position. 2 phonetics said of a vowel such as the one in spread: articulated with the lips in an open as opposed to a rounded position. 3 said of a gemstone: flat and shallow. spreader noun. spread it or oneself about or about a bit slang to behave promiscuously. spread like wildfire said of gossip, news, etc: to become widely known very quickly. spread oneself too thin to commit oneself to too many things at once and so become unable to do any of them satisfactorily. spread one's wings to attempt to broaden one's experience.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon sprædan.