spread1 verbspread2 noun
spreadspread1 /spred/ ●●● S2 W2 verb (past tense and past participle spread) 
WORD ORIGINspread1
Origin:
Old English sprædanVERB TABLE
spread
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | spread |
| he, she, it | spreads | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | spread |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have spread |
| he, she, it | has spread | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had spread |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will spread |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have spread |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am spreading |
| he, she, it | is spreading | |
| you, we, they | are spreading | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was spreading |
| you, we, they | were spreading | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been spreading |
| he, she, it | has been spreading | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been spreading |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be spreading |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been spreading |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Spread the frosting over the warm pastries.
- Spreading the work around will help us meet the project deadline.
- A single tractor was slowly spreading fertilizer over a huge wheatfield.
- After she died at a San Jose hospital, word spread fast.
- AIDS is not spread by common everyday contact.
- By then, the flood water had spread across 80 square miles of farmland.
- Cholera is spreading through the refugee camps at an alarming rate.
- Make sure that you spread the glue on both surfaces.
- Malaria, spread by mosquitoes, is one of the biggest public health problems in Africa.
- Meyer and his team were the first to show how the disease spreads from animals to humans.
- News of the disaster was spreading quickly.
- Panic spread through downtown Port-au-Prince.
- Refugees have entered the south of the country and are spreading northwards.
- Rumors about Amy spread through the school.
- She spread the toast with butter and jam.
- She knocked over her glass, and a dark pool of wine spread over the tablecloth.
- The fire is spreading out of control.
- The fire quickly spread to several nearby factories.
- The forest fires in the Northwest are spreading out of control.
- The lawsuit charged the magazine with spreading lies about the company and its products.
- Here, a key way for an individual to spread his or her point of view is to get connected.
- I don't want the mess spreading back into my working world.
- In one, the businessperson allocated time, spreading the project over several weeks.
- She was on a sheet, naked with her legs spread apart.
- Thus a gene for chromosomal fratricide will spread as surely as a murderer will inherit the Earth.
- When it is placed in a container it spreads uniformly throughout the whole volume of the container.
- When low performance leads to an organizational crisis, rumors of executive malfeasance spread like wildfire among rank-and-file members.
- With the large number of children spread out over the country, it was inevitable that visits were infrequent.
Longman Language Activatorfire/liquid/gas
if fire, liquid, smoke etc spreads , it moves outwards in all directions to cover a larger area: · The forest fires in the Northwest are spreading out of control.spread through/across/to etc: · By then, the flood water had spread across 80 square miles of farmland.· She knocked over her glass, and a dark pool of wine spread over the tablecloth.· The fire quickly spread to several nearby factories.
if a gas, liquid, smoke etc permeates a space or substance, it gradually spreads through the whole of it: · Soon the gas had permeated the entire area.· The stench of smoke permeated the air.
if a colour runs , it spreads beyond where it should be and begins to colour other things, especially because it has got wet: · I'm afraid the colors ran when I washed your shirt.· She had started crying and her make-up was running down her face.
information/feelings/ideas/problems etc if information, an idea, or a feeling spreads , or if you spread it, more and more people begin to know about it or be affected by it: · After she died at a San Jose hospital, word spread fast.· News of the disaster was spreading quickly.· Rumors about Amy spread through the school.· The lawsuit charged the magazine with spreading lies about the company and its products.spread to/into/through etc: · Panic spread through downtown Port-au-Prince.
also get round British if news or information gets around or goes around , people tell other people, so that soon a lot of people know about it: · News soon got around that Nick was back in Barnstable.· It's a small place, so news and gossip gets around pretty quickly.· It didn't take long for word to get around that Moore was leaving the company.
if news, information, stories etc circulate , they spread through a large group of people, especially because each person tells it to someone else: · The organization's intranet system allows information to circulate rapidly.· Rumors began circulating that she was seriously ill.circulate among: · The letter was circulated among news organizations nationwide.
formal to spread information, ideas etc as widely as possible, especially in order to influence the way people think or behave: · Racist messages are being widely disseminated via the Internet.· The Health Education Council is the central agency for disseminating information about disease prevention.
if a problem or bad situation spills over , it spreads beyond the place or situation in which it starts, and begins to affect other places, people, or areas of activity: spill over to/into/from etc: · It is easy to allow personal emotions to spill over into your work.· Government chiefs are worried that the refugee problem might spill over from neighboring countries.
when a disease spreads if a disease spreads or is spread , it is passed from one person to another, and it affects more and more people: · Malaria, spread by mosquitoes, is one of the biggest public health problems in Africa.· AIDS is not spread by common everyday contact.spread through/to/across/from: · Cholera is spreading through the refugee camps at an alarming rate.· Meyer and his team were the first to show how the disease spreads from animals to humans.
also go round British if an illness goes around , it spreads from one person to another, especially in a school, office etc: · There's some type of throat infection going around at the moment.· If one child gets flu, it seems to go round the entire school within a week.
an infectious disease is spread by being passed from one person to another: · Heavy drinkers are generally more susceptible to infectious diseases. · Doctors say that the disease is most infectious in the first twenty-four hours.highly infectious (=very infectious): · The vaccine protects against Hepatitis B, a highly infectious virus.
to get an illness from another person - use this especially about illnesses that are not very serious: · Kristen has the flu, so I guess we'll all catch it.· Dion caught a cold on vacation.
informal an illness or condition that is catching , especially one that is not very serious, can spread from one person to another: · I hope Shelly's cold isn't catching.· I'm keeping Timmy home from school. He has measles and you know how catching it is.
an illness that is contagious can spread easily from one person to another, especially by touch: · Most eye infections are contagious.highly contagious (=very contagious): · Chicken pox is highly contagious.
to spread things over a wide area · The wind spreads the seeds so that the plants can reproduce.spread something over/across/through etc · A single tractor was slowly spreading fertilizer over a huge wheatfield.
to spread things over a wide area in an irregular and unplanned way: · The storm scattered tiles everywhere.scatter something over/around/across etc: · Why don't you scatter a few cushions around the room?
when people or things are spread over a wide area things that are scattered are spread over a large area in an irregular or untidy way: scattered about/over/among etc: · There were books scattered all about their cottage.· Pieces of twisted metal and rusted pipe lay scattered around the yard.
things that are spread out are spread over a large area with a lot of space between them: spread out on/among/across: · Diane had her newspaper spread out all over the floor.· Several small cabins were spread out across the property.
spread across a wide area - use this about towns, buildings, or groups of buildings that you think take up too much space and are ugly or unpleasant: · The sprawling conference and resort center even has its own transportation system.· a sprawling city of 2.6 million
if a number of things of the same type are dotted around an area, they are spread over it irregularly and unevenly: dotted around/along/here and there etc: · All we saw were a few workmen's cottages dotted here and there along the road.· Picnic tables were dotted among the trees.dotted with: · Their street was dotted with burned-out and boarded-up buildings.
spread unevenly in a way that looks very untidy: strewn over/around etc: · Clothes were strewn all over the bedroom floor.strewn with: · Glover's yard was strewn with garbage and builders' debris.
when people go in many directions: spread northwards/eastwards etc · Refugees have entered the south of the country and are spreading northwards.
if a group of people scatters , everyone suddenly moves in different directions, especially in order to escape from danger: · When a police van drove by, the boys scattered.· At the sound of gunfire, the crowd scattered in all directions.
if a group of people spreads out , each person moves into a position where they are as far from the others as possible: · "Spread out!" the sergeant shouted. "I want the whole area searched."· I'm sure you'd be more comfortable if you spread yourselves out a little.spread out across/through etc: · Members of the tribe are spread out over hundreds of square miles.
if a group of people who are searching for someone or something fans out , they spread themselves across an area in order to make sure that they search the whole area: · The men were told to fan out and begin the search.· Scores of FBI agents fanned out on Monday to interview potential witnesses.
if a group of people split up , they decide not to stay together as a group because they will be able to move faster, find something more easily etc if they are alone or in smaller groups: · The U.N. team split up to inspect several sites in the south of the country.split up into groups/teams/twos etc: · We'd have a much better chance of finding the child if we split up into groups.
to spread butter, glue etc on a surface to put a thin layer of a soft substance, such as butter or glue, on a surface, so that it covers it: spread something on/over something: · Make sure that you spread the glue on both surfaces.· He spread plaster on the walls.· Spread the frosting over the warm pastries.spread something with something: · She spread the toast with butter and jam.
to spread a liquid or soft substance over a surface, especially carelessly or when you do not have to keep it within an exact area: smear something on/smear on something: · "What time did we say we'd meet them?" she asked, smearing on a bright red lipstick.smear something with: · Before setting out on their walk, they smeared themselves with sunblock.
to open something out and arrange it on a surface to open something such as a sheet, a map, or a newspaper, and arrange it so that it lies flat on a table, the floor, or another surface: spread out something: · Jim spread out a blanket for her to sit on.spread something out/over/on etc: · Spread the map out and let's have a look.· I spread the towels over the radiator to dry.
to spread something on a table, floor etc, especially so that it can be more easily seen or used later: lay something out: · They spent over an hour laying the food out for the party.lay out something: · I laid all four bathing suits out on the counter and tried to picture myself in one of them.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Meanings 1 & 2nouns
spreading the gospel of science They hired more staff in order to spread the load. special machinery for spreading muck onto the fields Stand with your elbows pointing outwards. Spiro spread his arms wide in a welcoming gesture. Leonora’s eyes opened wide in horror. The windows had been opened wide and she could feel a slight breeze.
(=among a group of people)· The disease is spread by mosquitoes.
(=in someone’s body)· The cancer had spread to his brain.
· As news of his death spread, his army disintegrated.
· He has been spreading the word about ways to beat heart disease.
(also spread a rumour British English, spread a rumor American English)· When Brown’s hotel burned down, Clark spread the rumor that Forsyth was to blame.
(also a rumour spreads British English, a rumor spreads American English)· It was the sort of story that would spread like wildfire.
· How dare you spread such vicious lies!· Has someone been spreading malicious gossip?
· The murders were clearly intended to spread terror.
(also flames spread)· The fire had spread to a nearby shed.
· There is no indication that the violence is likely to spread.
· Their musical fame has spread far beyond their native country.
adverbs· The fire spread rapidly, consuming many of the houses.
phrases (=spread extremely quickly)· The news spread like wildfire through the town.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES· The town is spread out over a wide area.
· The blaze quickly spread to a neighbouring house.
· Lee was spreading butter on his toast.
· Spread the warm crumpets with butter.
· The government have no idea how far the disease has spread.
· Knowing the facts about AIDS can prevent the spread of the disease.
· The fire spread to the house next door.
(=tell people about it) Missionaries were sent to preach the Gospel. gospel stories
Missionaries were sent to preach the Gospel. gospel stories spreading the gospel of science· Someone’s been spreading gossip about Lucy and Ian.
(=a wide smile covers someone's face)· A self-satisfied grin spread across his face.
(also transmit an infection formal)· Pregnant women can transmit the infection to their unborn child.
· The infection spread to her chest.
(=tell them to a lot of people)· How dare you spread such vicious lies?
They hired more staff in order to spread the load.· We spread out our maps on the floor.
special machinery for spreading muck onto the fields (=tell a lot of people the news)· After she had the baby, her husband made phone calls to spread the happy news.
(=a lot of people find out the news from other people)· News spreads fast in a small town.
Stand with your elbows pointing outwards. (=starts to affect more people in more places)· Panic spread as news of the invasion reached Paris.
· Several underground organizations were spreading anti-government propaganda.
· Close contact between people resulted in the rapid spread of the disease.
· A rumour spread that he had been killed.
· Someone has been spreading rumours about us.
(=they smile)· A faint smile spread across her face.
· A dark stain spread over the grey carpet.
· The virus spread throughout the population.
Spiro spread his arms wide in a welcoming gesture. Leonora’s eyes opened wide in horror. The windows had been opened wide and she could feel a slight breeze.· The dragon spread its wings and gave an experimental flap.
· The wreckage was strewn over a large area.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· The path that left the glade was steep and narrow and spread across with ivy and clumps of mauve and white violets.· Today they last a long time and spread across wider territories.· But towards morning heavy clouds spread across.· When she and her siblings spread across three states and half the continent, they served their families hamburgers.· Today that business has spread across all fifty states and fifty-four countries.
· A number of support centres are spread around and between them is the support network.· Now, with Rice out while he recovers from reconstructive knee surgery, the ball is being spread around.· Thus the dark matter would be spread around in a way that mimicked but exaggerated the initial fluctuations.· Every borrower benefits when there is more money to spread around.· Some will frequent the hostels run by caring organisations which range from the most basic wooden bench with newspapers spread around.· After all, spread around, that's what it would buy.· The wall tore open, rips spreading around the torus as the air rushed outwards.· As she speaks we see a Masai market. Spread around are hundreds of Masai men and women.
· For overcrowding is not spread evenly throughout the system.· Add nut mixture and spread evenly.· Spread evenly with apple and peel mixture.· This aroused the resentment of almost the whole front bench, but Wigg's hostility was not evenly spread.· Although power is widely spread it does not necessarily mean that it is evenly spread between all groups.· But, as we know, demand for seats is not evenly spread.· Unlike the greenhouse gases, which spread evenly across the globe, sulphur dioxide's effects are short-lived and regional.· Royal icing takes a little practice to spread evenly and pipe, but the results are well worth the effort.
· There are still strong emotional attachments to these outposts, which are spread out over the valley.· Her office is dominated by a large oak table where she spreads out her work.· When they spot some promising zebras, or antelopes, they spread out into a line.· As you see, the light was spread out uniformly over a wide angle.· Like a wolf pack scenting easy prey, they dismounted and spread out.· Why construct a hero so multiple, so spread out, so fugitive?· The beach is narrow and sandy with enough room to spread out.· But it is thin, spread out, invisible even to itself.
· Closely packed terraces of Victorian houses were spread outwards as the population grew.· And then the slow ink spreading outwards and the wheels turning and a voice, it was Vasco's, warning him.· A cloud of long fair hair spread outwards in the water.· In this case I think it is more likely that limestone deposition started in several or many different centres and spread outwards.
· For 20 days spread over 1988 and 1989 he compared spot and futures returns for five-minute periods.· At least 20 sessions, spread over several days, are required to remove the major effects of practice.· Brush the glaze while still hot over a fruit cake, but allow to cool slightly before spreading over a sponge cake.· The result is an evening of Wagnerian dimension spread over four and a half hours.· The exchange would be spread over five years.· A dark stain spread over the grey patterned carpet.
· It spreads quickly once inside the victim and is soon being circulated in the bloodstream.· Although news of her work in Motijhil had spread quickly, they had almost no financial means.· During the Pleistocene, Stone Age man appeared on the scene in Java and spread quickly.· The idea spread quickly to other cities.· Juliet felt a strange sort of throbbing inside her, that quickly spread like tentacles of fever through her body.· The rumor quickly spread among the black soldiers that other blacks were being brutalized by the police.· The industrial action quickly spread to transport and municipal workers and workers on tea, sugar and tobacco plantations.· The controversy quickly spread beyond the pages of the Reader.
· The epidemic is dynamic, unstable and continuing to spread rapidly.· The new system has usurped almost all health care in California and is rapidly spreading nationwide.· But out of sight the roots from which they grow are spreading rapidly.· The news spread rapidly throughout the city and everyone came to see the wonderful sight.· This habit apparently began in Southampton and rapidly spread nation-wide.· Ticketless travel, which actually began several years ago, is spreading rapidly throughout the airline industry.· Stories that he was physically or mentally ill had, in fact, spread rapidly in summer 1942.· This distorted form of Buddhism spread rapidly thanks to a vast network of male and female monastic communities.
· The ozone molecules are very thinly spread within this area but their fragile existence nevertheless serves a vital function to life.· Quickly pour into the 2 buttered pans and spread thinly over entire surface of each.· The ointment should be spread thinly on the bruised areas.· The flesh was thinly spread upon the elongated skull, the motionless hands were bony claws.· Some one must lose, even if the losses are spread thinly.· You could also thinly spread some glue on the cracker and sprinkle some glitter powder over it.· Lunch Two slices of toasted wholemeal bread spread thinly with Flora margarine and topped with 2 oz. grated cheddar cheese.· Set aside one cake for the top and thinly spread the rest with jam.
· These advances, which have had an impact in both basic and applied research, are again spread widely among the disciplines.· Word spread widely and quickly, through the networks, even through underground comic books where the illiterate could read them.· They evolved rapidly and spread widely, and have a range of distinctive characters to help the investigator in his identifications.· Skilled artisans are employed by private entrepreneurs in units mainly of cottage-proportions, widely spread in villages and small towns.· His innovation spread widely and quickly.· During the first half of the eighteenth century no other sect was as widely spread as the Quakers.· They noted that the virus may not have had time to spread widely.
NOUN· The ozone molecules are very thinly spread within this area but their fragile existence nevertheless serves a vital function to life.· It apparently started in a trash can and spread to the attic area of an 80-room wing of the motel.· This scheme, which has now spread to other areas, obviously influenced the Griffiths proposals.· Resistance can emerge rapidly and spread from one geographic area to another and from one organism to another.· The accident, which left wreckage spread over a wide area, blocked the road causing severe traffic disruption.· The only way you survive is to spread to another area.· Massage can help cramp and can prevent it spreading to other areas.
· Several days of unrest followed which spread across the country and involved thousands of students.· Books be-came more available and, in turn, they spread learning throughout the country.· There is now a real risk that nuclear weapons will spread to several other countries.· Pray that the conflict would not spread to neighbouring countries.· The Spring Collection 1993 was introduced to the trade at ten different roadshows spread throughout the country.
· Infectious diseases that now spread more easily because of increased worldwide travel.· However, there is no scientific proof that the disease can be spread by eating contaminated beef.· Braintree Council is desperate for the disease not to spread to the district.· The fear, of course, was that the disease would spread to the centers of Western civilization.· Dysentery and other diseases tend to spread easily in schools and poor facilities clearly make matters worse.· When the disease continued to spread, she looked for something different and found MDExpert.· The scientists are examining the rate at which disease spreads among plants within recirculation systems in glasshouses.· Put simply, differences of behavior become increasingly significant the more difficult the disease agent is to spread.
· He could see a hurt, misunderstood look spreading across Karen's face.· He felt a relieved smile spreading over his face and something like freedom in his heart.· Mrs Toye stared at her and a strange smile spread across her face.· Affectionate pity spread over his face.· A thin smile, like a scar, spread across his face.· A big smile suddenly spread across her face.· A look of relief as much as elation spread over Lewis's face when confirmation came of her victory.· He kept silent, a feline grin spreading across his face.
· Pools of viscous liquid started to spread across the floor.· It has more than 1, 900 rooms spread over 43 floors, topped by the revolving View Restaurant.· The faded newspaper from the sky had been carefully spread out on the floor of one of the old sheds.· The newcomers spread out across the floor of the tavern, whilst customers dodged hurriedly out of their way.· A red glow spread out across the floor almost like blood, and washed against the back wall.· Water spread across the floor in a greasy stream, mingling with the pile of filthy rushes.· There were some other, mostly elderly ladies and they reclined on the divans spread on the floor.· He took out a thick bundle of folded maps, selected several, and spread them on the floor.
· It spread the cooperative gospel amongst women as consumers and purchasers.· While Buckley spread the gospel at the Moscone Center, the curtain went up on widespread management departures.· Now back home, they are spreading the new gospel of dissent.· And Coopers & Lybrand is one of a host of evangelists who spread this gospel.· Keep spreading the gospel, it needs to be heard.· Matthew, Mark, Luke and John spreading the gospel.
· The man leaned forwards and spread out his hands.· His back spread, his hands came together; the oars took flight.· Benny was equally at a loss, she just shrugged and spread out her hands helplessly.· Louis spoke, letting go of his beret to spread his hands.· Parkin spread his hands in a gesture of uncertainty.· The Dalek Killer spread his hands across the panel of buttons.· He spread his empty hands to show her he meant no harm.
· She sat on the bed and pulled up her skirt to her waist, then lay back and spread her legs.· He spread his legs and tensed his fingers.· Be careful to spread the legs, not as far as they can go, but only as far as is comfortable.· A hushed audience watched her spread her legs, and present the broom handle to her open crotch.· I envisaged a deadly tarantula creeping slowly into my bed, spreading its legs over me, about to bite!
· More could be done to encourage flexible or staggered working hours and spread the traffic load.· The best are fairly wide to spread the load and well padded - often with dual-density foam.· Use of the top tensioners also helps to spread the load over the whole of the shoulder harness.· The block of softwood can be used to spread the load when using the hammer.· It's worth trying to draw up a list like this, because it ensures that you spread the load.· Whether more participants spreads the load of sin is not altogether clear.
· They were continually spreading the message that the library is an integral part of the school's operation.· Forbes is traveling the country at an impressive clip, spreading his flat-tax message and pocketing IOUs from Republican pols.· The managers of such funds are on the stump, spreading the message that their day has come at last.· And with an estimated $ 5, 000 in contributions, he has tried to spread his message through community group meetings.· His intention was to contact people and spread his message to the world.· She speaks to the media from her home and travels a week out of every month to spread her message of awareness.· Production was severely disrupted in all departments during the afternoon as the shop stewards spread the message.· But once they get back home they continue to spread the Falun Gong message.
· Conversation was desultory for we were all exhausted though Mandeville declared that tomorrow he would spread his net.· It was argued in Chapter 2 that the criminal law ought to spread its net wider where the potential harm is greater.· The Contempt of Court Act 1991 spreads a wider net over everyone who reports or handles news.· Furse spread his net wide, but it did not sink deep.
· As news of it spread, more people became interested and wanted to take part.· As news of the shooting spread, Overtown exploded like tinder in a lightning storm.· The news had spread like wildfire.· Once the researchers returned to shore, news of their findings spread rapidly through the scientific community.· The news spread as quickly as the horrendous fire which engulfed the fallen plane.· The news spread rapidly throughout the city and everyone came to see the wonderful sight.· As news of his triptych spread, he fell under increasing suspicion.· As news of the killings spread, the politicians and leaders reacted.
· About 50m messages are sent each day, turning mobile phones into a convenient medium for spreading rumours about the president.· They were spreading rumours that Mac and I knew the starter and that I had got away with a false start.· The Reds spread the rumours of its destruction, but there was no evidence to support this.· They were jealous of his success, they spread rumours about him - lies.· Let no one be forewarned, to go in fear or spread rumours.· It wasn't that people did not spread false rumours.
· The slander spread like wildfire and was only checked when the drunk who invented it confessed in a magistrates court.· Word of it spread like wildfire among geophysicists.· The news had spread like wildfire.· Not all of these students would be involved in work-based learning even if the movement spread like wildfire, but many would.· With the spectre of a ruinous trade war looming which could spread like wildfire round the world.· When low performance leads to an organizational crisis, rumors of executive malfeasance spread like wildfire among rank-and-file members.· But on the streets the book's reputation spread like wildfire, selling thousands of copies in Brixton alone.
· New faces were still pouring into the room as word spread that the Chief Whip was entertaining.· He meant to get off, I think, but was petrified. Word of his handicap spread.· And then word began to spread of this dashing, spirited young Yorkshirewoman who was hunting her way home.· Already word was beginning to spread of the missing U-2.· It will run for six months, and we are still optimistic that more fragments may surface, as word spreads.· As word of the accusation spread, more council delegates have opposed the initiative, Arviso said.· Even if Frome's death has nothing to do with your wife's ... ministrations, the word has spread now.· But as word of the device spread, the machines could not be made fast enough.
VERB· Students erected barricades and strikes began to spread throughout the universities and high schools.· A fire had begun to spread in me.· From this traditional privilege of Reims, the fame and popularity of Champagne wines first began to spread.· Slowly and selectively the understanding of change and the desire to participate began to spread.· Foam began to spread through the air as the fire-fighting systems reacted automatically to the emergency.· A glow began to spread warmly through her.
· The use of the new printing technology helped in spreading the word.· They are small grains with a little wing attached on each side, which helps them spread by the wind.· You will help spread the word, won't you?· Members of Boston's crew weren't the only ones who helped spread the word.· Use of the top tensioners also helps to spread the load over the whole of the shoulder harness.· He has, in turn, helped spread the interest to other schools in Phoenix.· The new venture using satellite telecommunications would also help spread the most up-to-date information to industries.· Additionally, the Internet is helping spread the word about the Dvorak layout far wider and faster than was previously possible.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► spread seeds/manure/fertilizer► spread something ↔ out► spread something ↔ outPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
1affect more people/places [intransitive, transitive] if something spreads or is spread, it becomes larger or moves so that it affects more people or a larger areaspread through- Recently she's begun spreading her wings, taking courses in real estate.
- Diana was eager to spread her wings and start her own life in London.
- Her dad wanted her to spread her wings a little - not too much mind.
- Later, I take off my watch to let it spread its wings.
- Others are like birds in a greenhouse: banging against the glass, desperate to spread their wings.
- She must be allowed to spread her wings and open up.
- The dragon spread its wings and gave an experimental flap, which lifted it momentarily off the ground.
- Then it spreads its wings and flies away, ready for its first meal of nectar!
- They just spread their wings and take off.
- Perhaps the managerial talent that was responsible for the steady growth is spread too thin.
- Some one must lose, even if the losses are spread thinly.
- The ointment should be spread thinly on the bruised areas.
- BHart said the organization, though well-intentioned, might be spreading itself too thin.
- At 40, you developed something flabby, disgusting and unavoidable called middle-aged spread and your waist disappeared along with your energy.
- Furse spread his net wide, but it did not sink deep.
- I cast my net wide enough to find parents who vary from house cleaner to fashion designer to electrician to corporate manager.
- It was argued in Chapter 2 that the criminal law ought to spread its net wider where the potential harm is greater.
- Later that afternoon the police, who had been diligently searching certain caravans on Turpin's Field, spread their net wider.
- We cast our net wider and in a different direction.
Fire quickly spread through the building.spread over He watched the dark stain spread over the gray carpet.spread among The disease spread rapidly amongst the poor.spread (from something) to something The cancer had spread to her liver. Revolution quickly spread from France to Italy.2information/ideas a)[intransitive] to become known about or used by more and more people: News of the explosion spread swiftly.spread to/through/over etc Buddhism spread to China from India. The news spread like wildfire (=very quickly). Word spread quickly that she was leaving. b)[transitive] to tell a lot of people about something: Andy loves spreading rumours about his colleagues. They are spreading the word about the benefits of immunization.3open/arrange (also spread out) [transitive] to open something out or arrange a group of things so that they cover a flat surfacespread something over/across/on something Papers and photos were spread across the floor. He spread the map out on the desk. a table spread with a white cloth4throughout an area [intransitive] (also be spread, spread out) to cover or exist across a large areaspread over the forest that spread over the whole of that regionspread throughout The company has more than 2,500 shops spread throughout the UK.5soft substance [intransitive, transitive] to put a soft substance over a surface, or to be soft enough to be put over a surfacespread something on/over something He spread plaster on the walls.spread something with something Spread the toast thinly with jam. If you warm up the butter, it’ll spread more easily. Spread the nut mixture evenly over the bottom.6arms/fingers etc [transitive] if you spread your arms, fingers, or legs, you move them far apart: He shrugged and spread his hands.7over time [transitive] (also spread out) to do something over a period of time, rather than at one timespread something over something Could I spread the repayments over a longer period? There will be 12 concerts spread throughout the summer.8share [transitive] to share or divide something among several people or thingsspread the load/burden The bills are sent out on different dates to spread the workload on council staff. They want the country’s wealth to be more evenly spread.9smile/look [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] if an expression spreads over someone’s face, it slowly appears on their facespread over/across A slow smile spread over her face.10spread your wings a)to start to have an independent life and experience new things: A year spent studying abroad should allow him to spread his wings a bit. b)if a bird or insect spreads its wings, it stretches them wide11a)be spread (too) thin/thinly if money, effort etc is spread thin, it is being used for many things so there is not enough for each thing: They complained that resources were spread too thinly. b)spread yourself too thin to try to do too many things at the same time so that you do not do any of them effectively12spread seeds/manure/fertilizer to scatter seeds, manure etc on the ground → spread your net wide at net1(8)COLLOCATIONS– Meanings 1 & 2nounsa disease spreads/is spread (=among a group of people)· The disease is spread by mosquitoes.a cancer/infection spreads (=in someone’s body)· The cancer had spread to his brain.news/word spreads· As news of his death spread, his army disintegrated.spread the news/the word· He has been spreading the word about ways to beat heart disease.spread a story (also spread a rumour British English, spread a rumor American English)· When Brown’s hotel burned down, Clark spread the rumor that Forsyth was to blame.a story spreads (also a rumour spreads British English, a rumor spreads American English)· It was the sort of story that would spread like wildfire.spread lies/gossip· How dare you spread such vicious lies!· Has someone been spreading malicious gossip?spread terror/panic· The murders were clearly intended to spread terror.fire spreads (also flames spread)· The fire had spread to a nearby shed.violence/fighting spreads· There is no indication that the violence is likely to spread.somebody’s fame/reputation spreads· Their musical fame has spread far beyond their native country.adverbsspread rapidly/quickly· The fire spread rapidly, consuming many of the houses.phrasesspread like wildfire (=spread extremely quickly)· The news spread like wildfire through the town.spread out phrasal verb1if a group of people spread out, they move apart from each other so that they cover a wider area: The search party spread out to search the surrounding fields.2spread something ↔ out to open something out or arrange a group of things on a flat surface: Sue spread out her notes on the kitchen table and began to write.3 (also be spread out) to cover a large area: The city spread out below her looked so calm.4spread something ↔ out to do something over a period of time, rather than at one timespread out over The course is spread out over four days.spread1 verbspread2 noun
spreadspread2 ●●○ noun EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- The only way to prevent the spread of tuberculosis is to cure those infected by the disease.
- There's a big three-page spread about them in Sunday's paper.
- There was a nice spread at the reception after the wedding.
- They were looking forward to the spread that Judith had prepared.
- But the spread of Internet use outside the United States is converting a national mess into a global one.
- More ominously, the effort to halt the nuclear spread could also stall.
- The process of proletarianisation has also received some impetus from the spread of agribusiness in the region.
- The Thatcher government has opposed planning controls over agriculture that could have stopped the spread of intensive arable farming.
- This spread is about 0. 05 percentage point tighter than a month ago, traders said.
- This led us to ask if there was intrafamilial spread of H pylori.
- We always pause just where we can see the majestic spread of Notre Dame.
THESAURUS
an area of land, used for growing crops or keeping animals: · a 300-hectare farm· a dairy farm· a sheep farm
a very large farm in the western US, Canada, or South America where sheep, cattle, or horses are bred: · a cattle ranch in Wyoming
British English a piece of land used for farming, that is smaller than an ordinary farm: · a smallholding used for organic farming
a large area of land in a hot country, where crops such as tea, cotton, and sugar are grown: · a rubber plantation· a tea plantation
a piece of land for farming that was given to people in the past by the US and Canadian governments: · He still farms on the family homestead, a hundred years after his grandfather received it.
American English informal an area of land used for farming or ranching: · They have a pretty big spread just south of the Canadian border.
an area of land, often with greenhouses on it, used for growing vegetables and fruit: · He runs his own market garden, and sells his produce to the big supermarkets.
an area of land with trees, used for growing fruit: · an apple orchard· cherry orchards
British English a small area of land of land, especially in a town or city, which you can use for growing your own vegetables.The land is usually owned by the local council, who charge a very low rent: · We grew the tomatoes on our allotment.
the practice of farming: · More than 75% of the land is used for agriculture.
adjective relating to growing crops: · a lack of arable land
Longman Language Activatorfire/liquid/gas if fire, liquid, smoke etc spreads , it moves outwards in all directions to cover a larger area: · The forest fires in the Northwest are spreading out of control.spread through/across/to etc: · By then, the flood water had spread across 80 square miles of farmland.· She knocked over her glass, and a dark pool of wine spread over the tablecloth.· The fire quickly spread to several nearby factories.
if a gas, liquid, smoke etc permeates a space or substance, it gradually spreads through the whole of it: · Soon the gas had permeated the entire area.· The stench of smoke permeated the air.
if a colour runs , it spreads beyond where it should be and begins to colour other things, especially because it has got wet: · I'm afraid the colors ran when I washed your shirt.· She had started crying and her make-up was running down her face.
information/feelings/ideas/problems etc if information, an idea, or a feeling spreads , or if you spread it, more and more people begin to know about it or be affected by it: · After she died at a San Jose hospital, word spread fast.· News of the disaster was spreading quickly.· Rumors about Amy spread through the school.· The lawsuit charged the magazine with spreading lies about the company and its products.spread to/into/through etc: · Panic spread through downtown Port-au-Prince.
also get round British if news or information gets around or goes around , people tell other people, so that soon a lot of people know about it: · News soon got around that Nick was back in Barnstable.· It's a small place, so news and gossip gets around pretty quickly.· It didn't take long for word to get around that Moore was leaving the company.
if news, information, stories etc circulate , they spread through a large group of people, especially because each person tells it to someone else: · The organization's intranet system allows information to circulate rapidly.· Rumors began circulating that she was seriously ill.circulate among: · The letter was circulated among news organizations nationwide.
formal to spread information, ideas etc as widely as possible, especially in order to influence the way people think or behave: · Racist messages are being widely disseminated via the Internet.· The Health Education Council is the central agency for disseminating information about disease prevention.
if a problem or bad situation spills over , it spreads beyond the place or situation in which it starts, and begins to affect other places, people, or areas of activity: spill over to/into/from etc: · It is easy to allow personal emotions to spill over into your work.· Government chiefs are worried that the refugee problem might spill over from neighboring countries.
when a disease spreads if a disease spreads or is spread , it is passed from one person to another, and it affects more and more people: · Malaria, spread by mosquitoes, is one of the biggest public health problems in Africa.· AIDS is not spread by common everyday contact.spread through/to/across/from: · Cholera is spreading through the refugee camps at an alarming rate.· Meyer and his team were the first to show how the disease spreads from animals to humans.
also go round British if an illness goes around , it spreads from one person to another, especially in a school, office etc: · There's some type of throat infection going around at the moment.· If one child gets flu, it seems to go round the entire school within a week.
an infectious disease is spread by being passed from one person to another: · Heavy drinkers are generally more susceptible to infectious diseases. · Doctors say that the disease is most infectious in the first twenty-four hours.highly infectious (=very infectious): · The vaccine protects against Hepatitis B, a highly infectious virus.
to get an illness from another person - use this especially about illnesses that are not very serious: · Kristen has the flu, so I guess we'll all catch it.· Dion caught a cold on vacation.
informal an illness or condition that is catching , especially one that is not very serious, can spread from one person to another: · I hope Shelly's cold isn't catching.· I'm keeping Timmy home from school. He has measles and you know how catching it is.
an illness that is contagious can spread easily from one person to another, especially by touch: · Most eye infections are contagious.highly contagious (=very contagious): · Chicken pox is highly contagious.
to spread things over a wide area · The wind spreads the seeds so that the plants can reproduce.spread something over/across/through etc · A single tractor was slowly spreading fertilizer over a huge wheatfield.
to spread things over a wide area in an irregular and unplanned way: · The storm scattered tiles everywhere.scatter something over/around/across etc: · Why don't you scatter a few cushions around the room?
when people or things are spread over a wide area things that are scattered are spread over a large area in an irregular or untidy way: scattered about/over/among etc: · There were books scattered all about their cottage.· Pieces of twisted metal and rusted pipe lay scattered around the yard.
things that are spread out are spread over a large area with a lot of space between them: spread out on/among/across: · Diane had her newspaper spread out all over the floor.· Several small cabins were spread out across the property.
spread across a wide area - use this about towns, buildings, or groups of buildings that you think take up too much space and are ugly or unpleasant: · The sprawling conference and resort center even has its own transportation system.· a sprawling city of 2.6 million
if a number of things of the same type are dotted around an area, they are spread over it irregularly and unevenly: dotted around/along/here and there etc: · All we saw were a few workmen's cottages dotted here and there along the road.· Picnic tables were dotted among the trees.dotted with: · Their street was dotted with burned-out and boarded-up buildings.
spread unevenly in a way that looks very untidy: strewn over/around etc: · Clothes were strewn all over the bedroom floor.strewn with: · Glover's yard was strewn with garbage and builders' debris.
when people go in many directions: spread northwards/eastwards etc · Refugees have entered the south of the country and are spreading northwards.
if a group of people scatters , everyone suddenly moves in different directions, especially in order to escape from danger: · When a police van drove by, the boys scattered.· At the sound of gunfire, the crowd scattered in all directions.
if a group of people spreads out , each person moves into a position where they are as far from the others as possible: · "Spread out!" the sergeant shouted. "I want the whole area searched."· I'm sure you'd be more comfortable if you spread yourselves out a little.spread out across/through etc: · Members of the tribe are spread out over hundreds of square miles.
if a group of people who are searching for someone or something fans out , they spread themselves across an area in order to make sure that they search the whole area: · The men were told to fan out and begin the search.· Scores of FBI agents fanned out on Monday to interview potential witnesses.
if a group of people split up , they decide not to stay together as a group because they will be able to move faster, find something more easily etc if they are alone or in smaller groups: · The U.N. team split up to inspect several sites in the south of the country.split up into groups/teams/twos etc: · We'd have a much better chance of finding the child if we split up into groups.
to spread butter, glue etc on a surface to put a thin layer of a soft substance, such as butter or glue, on a surface, so that it covers it: spread something on/over something: · Make sure that you spread the glue on both surfaces.· He spread plaster on the walls.· Spread the frosting over the warm pastries.spread something with something: · She spread the toast with butter and jam.
to spread a liquid or soft substance over a surface, especially carelessly or when you do not have to keep it within an exact area: smear something on/smear on something: · "What time did we say we'd meet them?" she asked, smearing on a bright red lipstick.smear something with: · Before setting out on their walk, they smeared themselves with sunblock.
to open something out and arrange it on a surface to open something such as a sheet, a map, or a newspaper, and arrange it so that it lies flat on a table, the floor, or another surface: spread out something: · Jim spread out a blanket for her to sit on.spread something out/over/on etc: · Spread the map out and let's have a look.· I spread the towels over the radiator to dry.
to spread something on a table, floor etc, especially so that it can be more easily seen or used later: lay something out: · They spent over an hour laying the food out for the party.lay out something: · I laid all four bathing suits out on the counter and tried to picture myself in one of them.
a fat stomach a man who has a paunch has a large stomach: · You're getting a paunch, did you know that? · Merv lay back in his chair with his hands crossed above his paunch, listening to the radio. · Wally crossed the mirrored lobby, sucking in his paunch as he caught sight of himself.
a round stomach that sticks out at the front, especially when this is the result of eating or drinking too much: · Larry was just a regular guy: short, with a pot belly and moustache. · You really should do something about that pot belly of yours.
informal a fat stomach caused by drinking too much beer: · His beer gut was popping the buttons on his shirt.· At only seventeen, Lonny already had the beginnings of a beer gut.
British informal a ring of fat around the waist: · You should go on a diet -- look at that spare tyre!
the fat around the waist that people gradually get as they grow older: · A lot of people start to get middle-age spread once they pass 30.
a very large meal a large meal with three separate parts, of the type that is usually served in restaurants: · I can't eat a three-course meal at lunch time -- it's just too much.· You can get a three-course meal for $25 in the barbecue grill.
a very large meal for a large number of people, to celebrate a special occasion: · There were over sixty guests at the wedding feast.· The Christmas celebrations in Fiji are rounded off by a huge feast on Christmas Day.
a heavy meal, lunch, dinner etc is one in which you eat a lot of food, and that makes you feel tired and your stomach feel full: · You shouldn't eat a heavy meal before going swimming.· After a heavy lunch my father fell asleep almost immediately.
British informal a large meal with a lot of good food: · If they give me the job I'll take you out for a slap-up meal.
informal a large meal for several people: · They were looking forward to the spread that Judith had prepared.
WORD SETSabalone, nounacetic acid, nounadditive, nounaftertaste, nounà la carte, adjectiveal dente, adjectivealfresco, adjectiveambrosia, nounangelica, nounaniseed, nounantipasto, nounappetizer, nounarrowroot, nounbad, adjectivebaker, nounbaking powder, nounbaking soda, nounbanana split, nounbanger, nounbanquet, nounbanqueting hall, nounbarbie, nounbarley, nounbasil, nounbass, nounbatch, nounbay leaf, nounBBQ, nounbean, nounbean curd, nounbeansprout, nounbeef, nounbeefburger, nounbeefsteak, nounbeet, nounbell pepper, nounberry, nounbetel, nounbetel nut, nounbicarbonate of soda, nounbilberry, nounbill of fare, nounbinge, nounbinge, verbbistro, nounblackberry, nounblack-eyed bean, nounblack pepper, nounblack pudding, nounblend, verbblend, nounblueberry, nounboard, nounbolt, verbbone, verbbon vivant, nounbony, adjectivebox lunch, nounbramble, nounbran, nounbrandy butter, nounbrasserie, nounbrawn, nounbreakfast, nounbrisket, nounbroiler, nounbroiler chicken, nounbroth, nounbrown rice, nounbrunch, nounbubble gum, nounbuckwheat, nounbuffet, nounbun, nounbus, verbbusboy, nounbutcher, nounbutcher, verbbutchery, nounbuttercream, nounbutty, nouncafé, nouncafeteria, nouncaff, nouncaffeine, nouncake, nouncan, verbcandy, nouncanned, adjectivecapon, nouncapsicum, nouncaraway, nouncarbohydrate, nouncare package, nouncarvery, nouncassava, nouncater, verbcaterer, nouncatering, nouncatsup, nouncatwalk, nouncayenne pepper, nouncereal, nouncheese, nounchef, nouncherry tomato, nounchickpea, nounchilli, nounChinese, nounchip shop, nounchives, nounchocolate, nounchocolatey, adjectiveChristmas dinner, nounchuck steak, nouncitric acid, nouncitron, nounclotted cream, nounclub sandwich, nouncob, nouncobbler, nouncocoa, nouncocoa bean, nouncoconut milk, nouncoffee house, nouncoffee shop, nouncold cuts, nouncold storage, nouncold store, nouncommissary, nounconcentrate, nouncondensed milk, nouncondiment, nouncone, nounconfection, nounconfectioner, nounconfectioner's sugar, nounconfectionery, nounconserve, nouncontent, nouncontinental breakfast, nounconvenience food, nouncook-chill, adjectivecooker, nouncookie, nouncooking, nouncooking oil, nouncorn bread, nouncorn chip, nouncorncob, nouncorned beef, nouncornet, nouncornflakes, nouncornflour, nouncornmeal, nouncorn on the cob, nouncorn pone, nouncornstarch, nouncorn syrup, nouncottage cheese, nouncotton candy, nouncourgette, nouncourse, nouncover charge, nouncrab, nouncrab apple, nouncracker, nouncrackling, nouncranberry, nouncrayfish, nouncream, nouncream cheese, nouncream cracker, nouncreamer, nouncreamy, adjectivecress, nouncrisp, nouncrisp, adjectivecrispbread, nouncrispy, adjectivecroissant, nouncroquette, nouncrouton, nouncrumb, nouncrumpet, nouncrunchy, adjectivecrust, nouncrusty, adjectivecrystallized, adjectivecucumber, nouncud, nouncuisine, nouncupcake, nouncurd, nouncurdle, verbcurrant, nouncustard, nouncut, nouncutlet, noundainty, nounDanish pastry, noundate, noundefrost, verbdelicacy, noundemerara sugar, noundesiccated, adjectivedevilled, adjectivedevour, verbdiabetic, adjectivedigest, verbdigestible, adjectivedill, noundill pickle, noundine, verbdiner, noundining car, noundinner, noundinner dance, noundinner party, noundinner theater, noundinnertime, noundissolve, verbdoggy bag, noundoily, noundollop, noundough, noundown, verbdrain, verbdredge, verbdried, adjectivedried fruit, noundripping, noundrumstick, noundry goods, noundunk, verbEaster egg, nouneat, verbeatery, nouneating apple, nouneats, nounEccles cake, nounéclair, nounEdam, nounedible, adjectiveeel, nounegg, nouneggplant, nounegg roll, nounelevenses, nounendive, nounEnglish breakfast, nounEnglish muffin, nounentrée, nounepicure, nounescalope, nounevaporated milk, nounfast food, nounfeed, verbfeed, nounfeta cheese, nounfig, nounfilbert, nounfillet, verbfilling, adjectivefilling, nounfilo, nounflounder, nounfloury, adjectiveflyblown, adjectivefoil, nounfoodstuff, nounforage, nounfork, verbfortify, verbfreeze-dried, adjectiveFrench bean, nounFrench bread, nounFrench dressing, nounFrench fry, nounFrench loaf, nounFrench stick, nounfries, nounfromage frais, nounfrozen, adjectivefruit, nounfudge, nounfull-fat, adjectivegaram masala, noungarlic, noungarnish, noungarnish, verbgastronomic, adjectivegastronomy, noungel, verbginger, nounglass, nounglassware, noungolden raisin, noungoody, noungourmand, noungrain, nounGranary, adjectivegranulated, adjectivegreasy, adjectivegreasy spoon, noungreen, adjectivegrill, noungristle, noungrocer, nounground, adjectiveground beef, noungrub, noungruel, nounguava, noungum, noungumball, noungumbo, noungumdrop, nounhalal, adjectivehalibut, nounham, nounhamburger, nounhaunch, nounhead table, nounhealth food, nounheart, nounhearty, adjectiveheat, nounherb, nounhigh tea, nounhome economics, nounhot dish, nounhygiene, nounhygienic, adjectiveiceman, nounindigestible, adjectiveindigestion, nouninedible, adjectiveinfected, adjectiveingest, verbinn, nouninsipid, adjectiveintake, nounirradiate, verbjellied, adjectivejoint, nounjuice, nounjuicy, adjectivejunk, nounjunk food, nounknuckle, nounkosher, adjectivelaxative, nounlean, adjectiveleavings, nounleg, nounlight, adjectiveliquorice, nounlive, adjectiveloaf, nounlocker, nounloin, nounlotus, nounlukewarm, adjectivelump, nounlunch, nounlunch, verblunchbox, nounlunch break, nounluncheon, nounlunch hour, nounlunchroom, nounlunchtime, nounluscious, adjectivemace, nounMadeira cake, nounmain course, nounmaitre d', nounmaize, nounmandarin, nounmandarin orange, nounmangetout, nounmango, nounmaple syrup, nounmargarine, nounmarge, nounmarmalade, nounmarrow, nounmarshmallow, nounMason jar, nounmasticate, verbmature, adjectivemature, verbmeal, nounmealie, nounmealtime, nounmealy, adjectivemeat, nounmeat-packing, nounmeaty, adjectivemellow, adjectivementhol, nounmentholated, adjectivemenu, nounmess, nounmess, verbmess hall, nounmilk chocolate, nounmillet, nounmince, nounmint, nounmocha, nounmolasses, nounmoreish, adjectivemorsel, nounmouldy, adjectivemouth, nounmouthful, nounMSG, nounmunch, verbmung bean, nounmush, nounmushroom, nounmustard, nounnibble, verbnibble, nounnosh, nounnourish, verbnourishment, nounnugget, nounnut, nounnutcracker, nounnutshell, nounnutty, adjectiveoatmeal, nounoats, nounoffal, nounokra, nounon, prepositiononion, nounorder, nounoregano, nounorganic, adjectiveoverindulge, verboxtail, nounpackaging, nounpacker, nounpap, nounparcel, nounpaste, nounpastille, nounpastry, nounpatisserie, nounpearl barley, nounpectin, nounpeel, verbpeel, nounpepper, nounpepper, verbpeppercorn, nounpeppermint, nounperishable, adjectivepetit four, nounpiccalilli, nounpicnic, nounpicnic, verbpie, nounpilaff, nounpilau, nounpimento, nounpinto bean, nounpit, nounpizza parlor, nounpizzeria, nounplain chocolate, nounplain flour, nounploughman's lunch, nounpoor boy, nounpork, nounpork pie, nounpork rinds, nounporridge, nounporterhouse steak, nounportion, nounpostprandial, adjectivepotato, nounpotato crisp, nounpotted, adjectivepoultry, nounpraline, nounprawn, nounprepacked, adjectivepreservative, nounpreserve, verbpreserve, nounpretzel, nounprovision, verbprune, nounpuff pastry, nounpumpernickel, nounpumpkin, nounpuree, verbquince, nounQuorn, nounrabbit, nounrancid, adjectiverare, adjectiveravenous, adjectiveraw, adjectivered meat, nounreheat, verbrennet, nounrepast, nounreplete, adjectiverestaurant, nounrestaurant car, nounrestaurateur, nounrib, nounrice, nounrigatoni, nounrind, nounripe, adjectiveroadhouse, nounrock, nounroe, nounroll, nounroot vegetable, nounrose hip, nounrusk, nounrutabaga, nounsaccharin, nounsalad cream, nounsalad dressing, nounsalami, nounsalmon, nounsalsa, nounsalt, verbsalt, adjectivesalty, adjectivesandwich, nounsardine, nounsassafras, nounsatisfying, adjectivesatsuma, nounsauerkraut, nounsausage, nounscallion, nounscampi, nounscone, nounscoop, nounScotch broth, nounscratchings, nounseafood, nounseasoned, adjectiveseed, verbsemolina, nounservery, nounservice charge, nounserving, nounset, adjectiveshallot, nounshellfish, nounsherbet, nounshish kebab, nounshortbread, nounshortcake, nounshortcrust pastry, nounshoulder, nounshrimp cocktail, nounside order, nounsillabub, nounsimnel cake, nounsingle cream, nounsirloin, nounsitting, nounskimmed milk, nounskin, nounskin, verbslaw, nounslice, nounsliced bread, nounsloe, nounsloppy joe, nounsmorgasbord, nounsnack bar, nounsnow pea, nounsoda fountain, nounsodium chloride, nounsoft fruit, nounsorghum, nounsoul food, nounsour, adjectivesour, verbsourdough, nounsoya, nounsoya bean, nounspearmint, nounspinach, nounsponge, nounsponge cake, nounsponge pudding, nounspoon, verbspoonful, nounspotted dick, nounspread, nounspring onion, nounspring roll, nounsprout, nounspud, nounsquash, nounsquid, nounstaple, nounstarfruit, nounstarter, nounsteak, nounsteakhouse, nounsteak tartare, nounstew, nounstick, nounStilton, nounstir-fry, verbstodge, nounstone-ground, adjectivestrawberry, nounstring bean, nounstringy, adjectivestrudel, nounsub, nounsucrose, nounsuet, nounsugar, nounsugar, verbsugar-coated, adjectivesugar cube, nounsugar lump, nounsugary, adjectivesultana, nounsun-dried, adjectivesup, verbsupper, nounsustenance, nounswallow, verbswallow, nounswede, nounsweetcorn, nounsweetened condensed milk, nounsweetener, nounsweetmeat, nounsweet pepper, nounsweet potato, nounsyrup, nounsyrupy, adjectivetable d'hôte, nountaco, nountaffy, nountainted, adjectivetakeaway, nountakeout, nountangerine, nountapas, nountapioca, nountaramasalata, nountariff, nountart, nountartare sauce, nountaste, verbtasteless, adjectivetaster, nountasting, nountater, nountattie, nounT-bone steak, nountea, nounteacake, nountender, adjectivetin, nountinned, adjectivetitbit, nountoffee apple, nountofu, nountomato, nountongue, nountop, nountopping, nountop round, nountopside, nountop table, nountortilla, nountough, adjectivetransport cafe, nountreacle, nountrifle, nountripe, nountrotter, nountruck stop, nountruffle, nountub, nountuna, nounturkey, nounTurkish delight, nounturnip, nounturnover, nountutti frutti, nounTV dinner, nounTVP, noununadulterated, adjectiveunleavened, adjectiveunpalatable, adjectivevacuum-packed, adjectivevanilla, nounveal, nounvegan, nounvegetable, nounvegetarian, nounvegetarianism, nounveggie, nounvenison, nounvictual, verbvictuals, nounvoracious, adjectivevoucher, nounwaiter, nounwaitress, nounwalnut, noun-ware, suffixwarmed-over, adjectivewedge, nounwell, nounwell-done, adjectivewell-fed, adjectivewet fish, nounwheat, nounwhite, nounwhite flour, nounwhite pepper, nounwhite sauce, nounwholefood, nounwholemeal, adjectivewhole wheat, adjectivewiener, nounwild rice, nounwishbone, nounwrap, nounyeast extract, nounyoghurt, nounyogurt, nounyolk, nounyule log, nounyummy, adjectivezucchini, nounzwieback, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY the rapid spread of cholera in Latin America We have a good spread of ages in the department. a broad spread of investments the geographical spread of the company’s hotelsCOLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES spreading the gospel of science They hired more staff in order to spread the load. special machinery for spreading muck onto the fields Stand with your elbows pointing outwards. Spiro spread his arms wide in a welcoming gesture. Leonora’s eyes opened wide in horror. The windows had been opened wide and she could feel a slight breeze.
the rapid spread of cholera in Latin America We have a good spread of ages in the department. a broad spread of investments the geographical spread of the company’s hotels· The town is spread out over a wide area.
· The blaze quickly spread to a neighbouring house.
· Lee was spreading butter on his toast.
· Spread the warm crumpets with butter.
· The government have no idea how far the disease has spread.
· Knowing the facts about AIDS can prevent the spread of the disease.
· The fire spread to the house next door.
(=tell people about it) Missionaries were sent to preach the Gospel. gospel stories
Missionaries were sent to preach the Gospel. gospel stories spreading the gospel of science· Someone’s been spreading gossip about Lucy and Ian.
(=a wide smile covers someone's face)· A self-satisfied grin spread across his face.
(also transmit an infection formal)· Pregnant women can transmit the infection to their unborn child.
· The infection spread to her chest.
(=tell them to a lot of people)· How dare you spread such vicious lies?
They hired more staff in order to spread the load.· We spread out our maps on the floor.
special machinery for spreading muck onto the fields (=tell a lot of people the news)· After she had the baby, her husband made phone calls to spread the happy news.
(=a lot of people find out the news from other people)· News spreads fast in a small town.
Stand with your elbows pointing outwards. (=starts to affect more people in more places)· Panic spread as news of the invasion reached Paris.
· Several underground organizations were spreading anti-government propaganda.
· Close contact between people resulted in the rapid spread of the disease.
· A rumour spread that he had been killed.
· Someone has been spreading rumours about us.
(=they smile)· A faint smile spread across her face.
· A dark stain spread over the grey carpet.
· The virus spread throughout the population.
Spiro spread his arms wide in a welcoming gesture. Leonora’s eyes opened wide in horror. The windows had been opened wide and she could feel a slight breeze.· The dragon spread its wings and gave an experimental flap.
· The wreckage was strewn over a large area.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· Again, although skewness may be computed for the central segment of the distribution, for most purposes broader spreads are used.· Today's student teachers and young graduates undoubtedly represent a broader spread of social background - and this is to be welcomed.
· The appeal of a merger included widening Martineau's client base, a greater geographical spread and having more resources.· We also looked for a geographical spread of writers.· The geographical spread of the observers is skewed.· The geographical spread is reasonable, though doubtless there will be some omissions apparent depending on where you are based.
· Can I use low-fat spread on my sandwiches?· Many low-fat spreads still have a remarkably high fat content-some contain as much as 60 per cent fat.· If it seeks too low a spread, its issue may fail, thus damaging its chances of making further issues.
· The rapid spread of small arms and light weapons facilitate the recruitment of child soldiers.· The result has been a rapid spread of unsightly buildings across the countryside.· All three factors are thought to have played a part in the rapid spread of the disease.
· The assets are actively managed and represent a wide spread of fixed interest stocks, U.K. and overseas equity shares and property.· Table 3. 2 provides individual estimate for gaseous coal seams with the geometric mean used wherever a wide spread is given.· At the bottom of the page, one case had a wide spread to itself.· Those assembled along the hill lines are keeping alive one of the world's most ancient and wide spread fertility rites.· It incorporates a wide spread of disciplines and its members have been, or are, involved in a variety of professions.· This journal has a long and distinguished history, publishing mainly shorter papers on a wide spread of subjects.· Very few papers indeed, therefore, had a wide spread of shareholders.· But it always pays to use as wide a spread of sires as possible.
NOUN· Rub in the butter with the hands, then add the low-fat cheese spread and work in with the hands.· Blend with cream cheese and grated Cheddar to create a cheese spread.
VERB· What part animal carriage contributes to the spread of this organism in the environment is not clear.
· The Government wants to control the spread of the varroa mite, a parasite which can weaken and eventually kill bees.· Cross reference - which requires the disambiguation of word senses in the definitions to control the spread of activation caused by cross-referencing.· Investigating and controlling the spread of tuberculosis socially is as difficult as understanding the body's internal defences against the disease.
· Zhao was also accused of encouraging the spread of bourgeois liberalization and personal corruption.· It is also Company policy to encourage the spread of information regarding developments affecting both an employee's workplace and Company wide.
· None has succeeded in halting the spread of violence.· But this will not halt the spread of crypto anarchy.· More ominously, the effort to halt the nuclear spread could also stall.· It would also put in jeopardy the global effort to halt the spread of nuclear weapons.· Such exemplary action would do much to halt the spread of these evil weapons.
· They have been helped by the spread of a non-reverential way of thinking.
· The benchmark 5-year sterling swap spread fell 4 basis points to 36 basis points.· The benchmark five-year deutsche mark swap spread fell 1 basis point to 45 basis points.· The benchmark 5-year sterling swap spread was unchanged at 34 basis points.
· They have to plan and act quickly to prevent any spread to other animals or humans.· The major effect of the anticonvulsant drugs is to prevent that kind of spread.· Remember, treat all contacts to prevent spread.· One was to segregate lepers in order to prevent the spread of the disease.· Information is needed too about the part the patient is expected to play in preventing the spread of infection.· Essential oils can be sprayed around the sick room to prevent the spread of infection during epidemics.· At the Royal Show the Agriculture Minister insisted there are adequate measures to prevent the spread of disease.· Some strains of bees prevent the spread of the disease by removing the rotting larvae.
· The debentures, which are callable after one year, were priced at a spread of 70 basis points above Treasurys.· The debt, which is noncallable, was priced at a spread of 55 basis points above Treasurys.
· A return to manual harvesting would also reduce dramatically the spread of infection.
· The Thatcher government has opposed planning controls over agriculture that could have stopped the spread of intensive arable farming.· Broadcasters lobbied to stop the spread of cable and succeeded for many years.· As far as Marenches was concerned, the most important thing for a Western intelligence agency was to stop the spread of Communism.· Halt the nuclear arms race, for one thing; stop the spread of nuclear weapons, for another.· What can be done to stop the spread of this silent architectural disease creeping through the veins and arteries of our cities?· I had visited her often in the London hospital where vain efforts were made to stop the spread of cancer.
· The benchmark 5-year sterling swap spread fell 4 basis points to 36 basis points.· The benchmark five-year deutsche mark swap spread fell 1 basis point to 45 basis points.· The benchmark 5-year sterling swap spread was unchanged at 34 basis points.
· Reoffered at 99. 708 to yield a spread flat to the three-year Treasury note.· Reoffered at 99. 845 to yield a spread at the launch of three basis points above U. S. Treasurys.· The offering yields a spread of 30 basis points above the Treuhand due Jan. 2003.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► double-page spread/centre spreadPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
1increase [singular] when something affects or is known about by more people or involves a larger areaspread of- Spooked planes buzzed the limo roof at the black spread of water near La Guardia.
- At 40, you developed something flabby, disgusting and unavoidable called middle-aged spread and your waist disappeared along with your energy.
- Furse spread his net wide, but it did not sink deep.
- I cast my net wide enough to find parents who vary from house cleaner to fashion designer to electrician to corporate manager.
- It was argued in Chapter 2 that the criminal law ought to spread its net wider where the potential harm is greater.
- Later that afternoon the police, who had been diligently searching certain caravans on Turpin's Field, spread their net wider.
- We cast our net wider and in a different direction.
an attempt to stop the spread of nuclear weapons the rapid spread of cholera in Latin America2soft food [countable, uncountable] a)a soft substance made from vegetable oil that is used like butter: one slice of toast with a low-fat spread b)a soft food which you spread on breadcheese/chocolate etc spread3range [singular] a range of people or thingswide/broad/good spread of something We have a good spread of ages in the department. a broad spread of investments4area [singular] the total area in which something exists: the geographical spread of the company’s hotels5double-page spread/centre spread a special article or advertisement in a newspaper or magazine, which covers two pages or covers the centre pages: There’s a double-page spread in Sunday’s paper.6large meal [singular] informal a large meal for several guests on a special occasion: Tom’s mum laid on a huge spread.7hand/wings [uncountable] the area covered when the fingers of a hand, or a bird’s wings, are fully stretched8bed cover [countable] a bedspread9money [countable] technical the difference between the prices at which something is bought and sold, or the interest rates for lending and borrowing moneyspread between the spread between the city banks’ loan rates and deposit rates10sport [singular] American English the number of points between the scores of two opposing teams: a four-point spread11spread of land/water an area of land or water12farm [countable] American English a large farm or ranch → middle-aged spread at middle-aged(3)