English Explanatory Dictionary

spay

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To destroy or remove the ovaries or uterus (of a female animal) to prevent pregnancy.
noun
  1. The act of spaying an animal.
noun
  1. Rare form of spayard.
verb
  1. Alternative form of spae (to foretell or divine)

Pronunciation

spā /speɪ/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-spay.wav

Word forms

spay spays spaying spayed spade spaie spave spaye spey

Etymology

From Middle English spayen, spaien, from the Anglo-Norman espeier, equivalent to the Old French espeer (“to cut with a sword”), from espee (“sword”), whence the Modern French épée.

Synonyms

splay castrate emasculate geld neuter sterilize

Derived words

spayer unspayed
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