splay

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to spread or turn outward and apart, especially from a central point

   The lizard splayed its toes across the warm stone.

2. 2
   adj

   spread, turned, or directed outward, often awkwardly

   The chair stood on four splay legs angled away from its seat.

3. 3
   noun

   architecture: an outward bevel or widening around the side of an opening such as a door or window

   The deep window splay directed more daylight into the room.

From Middle English splaien or splayen, a shortened form of displayen, 'to unfold or spread out,' ultimately from Old French despleier. The architectural noun and the adjective developed from the verb's central idea of opening or turning outward.

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