spreading

1. 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.

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

   I spread my arms wide and welcomed him home.

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

   I spread the rice grains evenly over the floor.

4. To proliferate; to become more widely present, to be disseminated.
5. To disseminate; to cause to proliferate, to make (something) widely known or present.

   The missionaries quickly spread their new message across the country.

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

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

7. To smear, to distribute in a thin layer.

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

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

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

9. To prepare; to set and furnish with provisions.

   to spread a table

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

noun

The act by which something is spread.