- spread
- verb (past and past participle spread)1》 open out so as to increase in surface area, width, or length.↘stretch out (limbs, hands, fingers, or wings) so that they are far apart.2》 extend or distribute over a wide area or a specified period of time.↘(spread out) (of a group of people) move apart so as to cover a wider area.↘gradually reach or cause to reach a wider area or more people.3》 apply (a substance) in an even layer.↘cover (a surface) with a substance in such a way.↘be able to be applied in such a way.noun1》 the fact or action of spreading.2》 the extent, width, or area covered by something.↘an expanse.3》 the range of something.↘the difference between two rates or prices.4》 a soft paste that can be spread on bread.5》 informal a large and elaborate meal.6》 an article or advertisement covering several columns or pages of a newspaper or magazine.7》 N. Amer. a large farm or ranch.Phrasesspread oneself too thin be involved in so many different activities that one's time and energy are not used to good effect.Derivativesspreadable adjectiveOriginOE -sprdan (used in combinations), of W. Gmc origin.
English new terms dictionary. 2014.