What does SPLAY mean?

Definition of Splay

1. Parts of Speech: Splay is a verb and a noun.

2. Definitions:

• As a verb, splay means to spread out or to cause something to spread out in a wide, flat shape. It can also mean to turn or twist something outwards.
• As a noun, splay refers to the spreading out or outward curve of something, such as a persons feet or the branches of a tree.

3. Pronunciations:

• US: /spleɪ/
• UK: /spleɪ/

4. Origin and Usage:

The word splay comes from the Old Norse word "spleggja," which means to split or cleave. It has been used in English since the 14th century.

Splay is often used to describe the position of feet or legs when they are turned outwards, as in "He stood with his feet splayed apart." It can also be used to describe the shape of objects that spread outwards, such as the branches of a tree or the fingers of a hand.

5. Synonyms:

• spread
• expand
• fan out
• diverge
• flare

6. Related Words:

• slays
• plays
• clays
• flays
• delays

7. Example Sentences:

• She splayed her fingers wide to show off her new manicure.
• The trees branches splayed outwards, providing shade for the picnic.
• He splayed his feet apart in a wide stance, ready for the pitch.