splay

American  

[spley] / spleɪ /

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.

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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 British  

/ spleɪ /

adjective

1. spread out; broad and flat

2. turned outwards in an awkward manner

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verb

1. to spread out; turn out or expand

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

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

Other Word Forms

• unsplayed adjective

Etymology

Origin of splay

1300–50; Middle English; aphetic form of display

Example Sentences

Ashmodai turned, his arms raised and his fingers splayed, as he stared directly up at the camera.

From Literature

Hila raised her hands as if she were a Kohen about to give the priestly blessing, her fingers tight around the ring and splayed in the familiar V shape.

From Literature

LaRavia hadn’t scored 20 points in a game since Nov. 2 as his splaying time has fluctuated with the Lakers’ ever-changing injury report.

From Los Angeles Times

He’d hit the snow and collapsed, arms and legs splayed at odd angles.

From Literature

The full video shows a man — Retes — splayed on the ground surrounded by agents.

From Salon

Related Words

• ample
• broad
• deep
• expanded
• extensive
• far-reaching
• full
• immense
• large
• loose
• spacious
• vast