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View synonyms for splay

splay

[spley]

verb (used with object)

  1. to spread out, expand, or extend.

  2. to form with an oblique angle; make slanting; bevel.

  3. to make with a splay or splays.

  4. to disjoin; dislocate.



verb (used without object)

  1. to have an oblique or slanting direction.

  2. to spread or flare.

noun

  1. Architecture.,  a surface that makes an oblique angle with another, as where the opening through a wall for a window or door widens from the window or door proper toward the face of the wall.

adjective

  1. spread out; wide and flat; turned outward.

  2. clumsy or awkward.

  3. oblique or awry.

splay

/ spleɪ /

adjective

  1. spread out; broad and flat

  2. turned outwards in an awkward manner

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. to spread out; turn out or expand

  2. (tr) vet science to dislocate (a joint)

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a surface of a wall that forms an oblique angle to the main flat surfaces, esp at a doorway or window opening

  2. enlargement

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • unsplayed adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of splay1

1300–50; Middle English; aphetic form of display
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Word History and Origins

Origin of splay1

C14: short for display
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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In another instance captured on video, a U.S. citizen is splayed out on a sidewalk in El Monte as two men with vests that read “Border Patrol” kneel over him.

Like fluttering wings, his 12 elegantly splayed arms wield an array of esoteric symbols around her excited body, while her single arm raises what appears to be a ritual blade high overhead.

A diary of one of the actors — splayed open on the desk — read that she was grieving the loss of her future.

They’re easily startled and may arch their back and splay their hands, as if to say, “The world is stressful for me.”

The guardrails of democracy and “the institutions” and “the rule of law” have been laid bare and splayed open; they are so very weak.

From Salon

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