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

Example Sentences

A grizzled man singing into a microphone, his feet sandy and splayed.

From Los Angeles Times

That is, until we find ourselves in September 1977, with Callas’ lifeless body splayed out on the floor, utterly devoid of all the grandeur.

From Salon

She said she could see her boss’ legs splayed out on the ground.

From Los Angeles Times

Across the street, the withered remains of three fighters, reduced to bones, were splayed among the debris.

From New York Times

"These splay faults are closer to the coast, so these tsunamis will be faster to hit the coastline than a tsunami generated only from a subduction zone earthquake."

From Science Daily

Related Words

• skew
• tilt