spray

views updated May 21 2018

spray1 / sprā/ • n. liquid that is blown or driven through the air in the form of tiny drops: a torrent of white foam and spray | a fine spray of mud. ∎  a liquid preparation that can be forced out of a can or other container in such a form: a can of insect spray. ∎  a can or container holding such a preparation. ∎  an act of applying such a preparation: refresh your flowers with a quick spray.• v. [tr.] apply (liquid) to someone or something in the form of a shower of tiny drops: the product can be sprayed on to wet or dry hair. ∎  [tr.] sprinkle or cover (someone or something) with a shower of tiny drops of liquid: she sprayed herself with perfume. ∎  [intr.] (of liquid) be driven through the air or forced out of something in such a form: water sprayed into the air. ∎  [tr.] treat (a plant) with insecticide or herbicide in such a way: avoid spraying your plants with pesticides. ∎  scatter (something) somewhere with great force: the truck shuddered to a halt, spraying gravel from under its wheels. ∎  [tr.] fire a rapid succession of bullets at: enemy gunners sprayed the decks of the warships. ∎  [tr.] (of a male cat) direct a stream of urine over (an object or area) to mark a territory. ∎  [tr.] (in a sporting context) kick, hit, or throw (the ball) in an unpredictable or inaccurate direction: he began his round by spraying his fairway shots.DERIVATIVES: spray·a·ble adj.spray·er n.spray2 • n. a stem or small branch of a tree or plant, bearing flowers and foliage: a spray of honeysuckle. ∎  a bunch of cut flowers arranged in an attractive way. ∎  a brooch in the form of a bouquet of flowers.

spray

views updated Jun 11 2018

spray2 water in the form of a fine shower XVII; jet of vapour XIX. orig. spry, immed. source unkn.; formally corr. to MDu. vb. spra(e)yen = MHG. spræjen, spræwen.
Hence vb. XIX.

Spray

views updated Jun 11 2018

Spray

a bundle of small branches and foliage or anything resembling them.

Examples : spray of branches; of flowers; of honeysuckle, 1854; of roses, 1873; of the sea, 1813; of water.

spray

views updated May 21 2018

spray1 †small twigs, fine brushwood XIII (earlier in place-names): slender shoot or twig XIV. of unkn. orig
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spray

views updated May 23 2018

spray Wood trimmings, sold in faggots for kindling.

spray

views updated Jun 27 2018

spray Wood trimmings, sold in faggots for kindling.