■ verb ( past and past participle ~ )
1》 open out so as to increase in surface area, width, or length.
↘stretch out (limbs, hands, fingers, or wings) so that they are far apart.
2》 extend or distribute over a wide area or a specified period of time.
↘( ~ out ) (of a group of people) move apart so as to cover a wider area.
↘gradually reach or cause to reach a wider area or more people.
3》 apply (a substance) in an even layer.
↘cover (a surface) with a substance in such a way.
↘be able to be applied in such a way.
■ noun
1》 the fact or action of ~ing.
2》 the extent, width, or area covered by something.
↘an expanse.
3》 the range of something.
↘the difference between two rates or prices.
4》 a soft paste that can be ~ on bread.
5》 informal a large and elaborate meal.
6》 an article or advertisement covering several columns or pages of a newspaper or magazine.
7》 N. Amer. a large farm or ranch.
Phrases
~ oneself too thin be involved in so many different activities that one's time and energy are not used to good effect.
Derivatives
~able adjective
Origin
OE -sprdan (used in combinations), of W. Gmc origin.