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

They clipped 13 seconds of him tearing into a Whopper, sauce and a grin splayed across his face, and posted it.

From The Wall Street Journal

On Wednesday, Apple splayed out its latest devices in an industrial New York warehouse.

From The Wall Street Journal

Biking gear and supplies were splayed around the living room.

From The Wall Street Journal

His legs are splayed, and he’s rocking his arms back and forth.

From Literature

Churro crouched low, his legs splayed out for balance.

From Literature

Related Words

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