■ verb
1》 (of a fish, frog, mollusc, etc.) release or deposit eggs.
↘ chiefly derogatory (of a person) produce (offspring).
2》 produce or generate; give rise to.
■ noun
1》 the eggs of fish, frogs, etc.
2》 chiefly derogatory offspring.
3》 the mycelium of a fungus, especially a cultivated mushroom.
Derivatives
~er noun
Origin
ME: shortening of Anglo-Norman Fr. espaundre 'to shed roe', var. of OFr. espandre 'pour out'.