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

Their combined research studies will soon be available with others in the open access journal, Frontiers of Veterinary Science, as a free e-book, Effective Options Regarding Spay or Neuter of Dogs.

From Science Daily

"This is a shift from a long-standing model of early spay/neuter practices in the U.S. and much of Europe to neuter by 6 months of age, but important to consider as we see the connections between gonadal hormone withdrawal from early spay/neuter and potential health concerns."

From Science Daily

We provide no-cost spay/neuter to feral & free-roaming cats, and low-cost spay/neuter to cats.

From Seattle Times

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

Related Words

• castrate
• neuter