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unlay

[uhn-ley]

verb (used with object)

unlaid, unlaying 
  1. to separate (a strand) from a rope.

  2. to untwist (a rope) in order to separate its strands.



unlay

/ ʌnˈleɪ /

verb

  1. (tr) to untwist (a rope or cable) to separate its strands

“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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Word History and Origins

Origin of unlay1

First recorded in 1720–30; un- 2 + lay 1
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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.

“She started to unlay herself and became outspoken, someone who wanted to impact and leave a lasting impression on you,” said Charles, who is now with the Washington Mystics.

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They're not suddenly going to press the rewind button and totally unlay you off.

For a fair-sized rope unlay about 9 ft. of each end.

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Cut one of the strands at a and unlay it to c, then cut one of the strands remaining at c and unlay it to b, laying the strand a up again as far as b; then cut the only remaining strand at b, which will be the centre, when your rope will be in two parts.

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To Form a Wall Knot.—First unlay the rope so that the strands appear as in Fig.

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