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

/ spleɪ /

adjective

1. spread out; broad and flat
2. turned outwards in an awkward manner

verb

1. to spread out; turn out or expand
2. tr vet science to dislocate (a joint)

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

Other Words From

• un·splayed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of splay¹

1300–50; Middle English; aphetic form of display

Word History and Origins

Origin of splay¹

C14: short for display

Related Words

• skew
• tilt