spaying
|spay/ing|
B2
/ˈspeɪɪŋ/
(spay)
remove ovaries
Etymology
Etymology Information
'spay' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'espeer,' where 'es-' meant 'out' and 'peer' meant 'to cut.'
Historical Evolution
'espeer' transformed into the Middle English word 'spayen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'spay.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to cut out,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to remove the ovaries of a female animal.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
the act of surgically removing the ovaries of a female animal to prevent reproduction.
The veterinarian is spaying the cat to prevent unwanted litters.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/27 04:10