splay
Americanverb (used with object)
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to spread out, expand, or extend.
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to form with an oblique angle; make slanting; bevel.
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to make with a splay or splays.
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to disjoin; dislocate.
verb (used without object)
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to have an oblique or slanting direction.
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to spread or flare.
noun
adjective
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spread out; wide and flat; turned outward.
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clumsy or awkward.
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oblique or awry.
adjective
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spread out; broad and flat
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turned outwards in an awkward manner
verb
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to spread out; turn out or expand
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(tr) vet science to dislocate (a joint)
noun
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a surface of a wall that forms an oblique angle to the main flat surfaces, esp at a doorway or window opening
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enlargement
Other Word Forms
- unsplayed adjective
Etymology
Origin of splay
1300–50; Middle English; aphetic form of display
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.
Biking gear and supplies were splayed around the living room.
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
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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
