spreading

To stretch out, open out (a material etc.) so that it more fully covers a given area of space.

“He spread his newspaper on the table.”

To extend (individual rays, limbs etc.); to stretch out in varying or opposing directions.

“I spread my arms wide and welcomed him home.”

To disperse, to scatter or distribute over a given area.

“I spread the rice grains evenly over the floor.”

To proliferate; to become more widely present, to be disseminated.

To disseminate; to cause to proliferate, to make (something) widely known or present.

“The missionaries quickly spread their new message across the country.”

To take up a larger area or space; to expand, be extended.

“I dropped my glass; the water spread quickly over the tiled floor.”

To smear, to distribute in a thin layer.

“She liked to spread butter on her toast while it was still hot.”

To cover (something) with a thin layer of some substance, as of butter.

“He always spreads his toast with peanut butter and strawberry jam.”

To prepare; to set and furnish with provisions.

“to spread a table”

To open one’s legs, especially for sexual favours.

The act by which something is spread.