Definition of spread

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spread    (sprd) KEY 

VERB:
spread, spread·ing, spreads
VERB:
tr.

1. To open to a fuller extent or width; stretch: spread out the tablecloth; a bird spreading its wings.
2. To make wider the gap between; move farther apart: spread her fingers.
3. 1. To distribute over a surface in a layer: spread varnish on the steps.
   2. To cover with a layer: spread a cracker with butter.
4. 1. To distribute widely: The tornado spread destruction.
   2. To make a wide or extensive arrangement of: We spread the bicycle parts out on the floor.
   3. To exhibit or display the full extent of: the scene that was spread before us.
5. To cause to become widely seen or known; scatter or disseminate: spread the news; spread the beam of the flashlight.
6. 1. To prepare (a table) for eating; set.
   2. To arrange (food or a meal) on a table.
7. To flatten (a rivet end, for example) by pounding.

VERB:
intr.

1. To be extended or enlarged.
2. To become distributed or widely dispersed.
3. To increase in range of occurrence; become known or prevalent over a wide area: The word spread fast.
4. To be exhibited, displayed, or visible in broad or full extent: the vista spread seemingly to infinity.
5. To become or admit of being distributed in a layer.
6. To become separated; be forced farther apart.

NOUN:

1. 1. The act of spreading.
   2. Dissemination, as of news; diffusion.
2. 1. An open area of land; an expanse.
   2. A ranch, a farm, or an estate.
3. The extent or limit to which something is or can be spread; range.
4. A cloth covering for a bed, table, or other piece of furniture.
5. Informal An abundant meal laid out on a table.
6. A food to be spread on bread or crackers.
7. 1. Two facing pages of a magazine or newspaper, often with related matter extending across the fold.
   2. A story or advertisement running across two or more columns of a magazine or newspaper.
8. A difference, as between two figures or totals.
9. 1. A position taken in two or more options or futures contracts in order to profit from a change in their relative prices.
   2. The difference between the price asked and bid for a particular security.
10. A number of points offered to equalize the chances of winning in a wager on a competition, usually between sports teams. Also called point spread.
11. Wingspread.

IDIOM:
spread (oneself) thin

To work on too many projects: overextend oneself.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English spreden, from Old English -sprdan (as in tsprdan, to spread out); see sper- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
spreada·bili·ty(Noun), spreada·ble(Adjective), spreada·bly(Adverb)