spay

¹

[ spey ]

verb (used with object)

, Veterinary Medicine.

1. to remove the ovaries of (an animal).

spay

²

[ spey ]

noun

1. a three-year-old male red deer.

spay

/ speɪ /

verb

1. tr to remove the ovaries, and usually the uterus, from (a female animal)

Other Words From

• un·spayed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of spay¹

1375–1425; late Middle English spayen < Anglo-French espeïer to cut with a sword ( Old French espeer ), derivative of espee sword; épée

Origin of spay²

1375–1425; late Middle English < ?

Word History and Origins

Origin of spay¹

C15: from Old French espeer to cut with the sword, from espee sword, from Latin spatha

Example Sentences

Mushie, who the couple rescued from a breeder, is a spayed black brindle French bulldog with a white chest, perky ears and no tail.

From Los Angeles Times

They specifically looked at the correlation between neutering or spaying a dog before 1 year of age and a dog's risk of developing certain cancers.

From Science Daily

Our mission: To help end the euthanasia of adoptable dogs and cats in Washington by increasing adoptions, supporting spay and neuter programs and improving pet retention.

From Seattle Times

Among the proposed legislation is a bill to establish a high-volume spay and neuter certification program for veterinary students at UC Davis and the Western University College of Veterinary Medicine in Pomona.

From Los Angeles Times

Rather, many dog owners buy a city breeder permit, which costs $235, so they don’t have to spay or neuter their pets as required under city law.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• castrate
• neuter