Spray

Definition

Spray is both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to (1) a liquid broken into fine droplets dispersed in the air (e.g., mist from a can, sea spray); (2) the act of scattering such droplets; or (3) a cluster of flowers or leaves on a stem. As a verb, it means (1) to scatter liquid in fine particles; (2) to discharge something forcefully in a dispersed stream; or (3) figuratively, to scatter widely in any form.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb (transitive & intransitive)

Pronunciation

American & British English

• IPA: /spreɪ/
• Respelling: SPRAY

Etymology

Late Middle English from Middle Dutch sprayen “scatter, sprinkle” and Old English spræg “branch, shoot.” The sense “liquid dispersed in fine particles” is attested from the early 17th century; the floral/branch sense developed independently from Old English roots.

Derivatives

• sprayer (noun) — a device or person that sprays
• spraying (noun/participle) — the act of dispersing liquid in fine drops
• sprayable (adjective) — suitable for application by spraying

Synonyms

• mist
• sprinkle
• aerosol
• shower
• jet
• cluster (for the flower/branch sense)

Antonyms

• stream (continuous flow)
• pool
• gathering (for figurative dispersal)

Usage

Noun: “The waves crashed against the rocks, sending up a salty spray.” / “She carried a spray of white roses.”

Verb: “He sprayed the plants with water to keep them cool.” / “Graffiti artists sprayed murals on the walls.”

Related Terms

• Mist: A cloud of fine water droplets suspended in the air.
• Aerosol: Suspension of fine particles or droplets in gas.
• Atomize: To break a liquid into very fine spray or particles.
• Shower: A fall of liquid or objects resembling rain.
• Squirt: To eject liquid in a thin jet.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A liquid dispersed in fine drops — water, perfume, paint, pesticide, etc.
  • Example: “The spray from the fountain cooled the air.”
• The action of scattering liquid.
  • Example: “One quick spray of disinfectant was enough.”
• A cluster of flowers, leaves, or stems.
  • Example: “She wore a spray of orchids on her dress.”

Verb

• To scatter liquid in fine particles.
  • Example: “The farmer sprayed the crops with fertilizer.”
• To discharge something forcefully in a dispersed stream.
  • Example: “The skunk sprayed a foul-smelling liquid.”
• Figurative: to scatter widely or indiscriminately.
  • Example: “The politician sprayed accusations at his opponents.”