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View synonyms for

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

/ ɪ /

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

  • ܲ· 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 have not been reviewed.

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

From

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

Directly across from Sunshine House, a young woman is found collapsed on the pavement, her body splayed across the concrete: she's unresponsive.

From

On her knees, she bows, splaying her arm in praise.

From

We talked for days, with Williams splayed across a Best Western office chair beside the queen bed.

From

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