spay

¹ American  

[spey] / speɪ /

verb (used with object)

Veterinary Medicine.

1. to remove the ovaries of (an animal).

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spay ² American  

[spey] / speɪ /

noun

1. a three-year-old male red deer.

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spay British  

/ speɪ /

verb

1. (tr) to remove the ovaries, and usually the uterus, from (a female animal)

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Other Word Forms

• unspayed
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of spay¹

1375–1425; late Middle English spayen < Anglo-French espeïer to cut with a sword ( Old French espeer ), derivative of espee sword; see épée

Origin of spay²

1375–1425; late Middle English < ?

Example Sentences

Their combined research studies will soon be available with others in the open access journal, Frontiers of Veterinary Science, as a free e-book, Effective Options Regarding Spay or Neuter of Dogs.

From Science Daily • May 28, 2024

“We want every pet owner in Los Angeles who wants spay and neuter services to have access to this safe and effective procedure,” said Katie Marrie, medical director for Spay Neuter Project Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 15, 2014

"Spay it forward -- word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools and this harks back to the town crier," Dunn said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 15, 2014

SAT Silent, live, and dessert auction to benefit Northwest Spay & Neuter Center affordable pet spay/neuter services, 5 p.m.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 19, 2014

Anderson, James Hunter, James Raueleson, James Founleson, and Hellen Stirke his wife, and cast that night in the Spay tower of the said citie, the morowe to abide judgement.

From The Works of John Knox, Vol. 1 (of 6) by Laing, David

Related Words

• castrate
• neuter