splay
splay — verb
- splaypresent simple I / you / we / they
- splayshe / she / it
- splayedpast simple
- splaying-ing form
1. to push or separate body parts such as fingers, toes, or legs so they point away
to push or separate body parts such as fingers, toes, or legs so they point away from each other in a wide outward direction
Gabriel sat on the floor and splayed his legs out in front of him.
splay + object + out — for limbs
The cat splayed its paws against the glass door, trying to get inside.
splay + paws/feet + against [surface]
Kemi splayed her fingers wide to show off the new ring on her thumb.
His books lay splayed open on the desk where he had left them.
The toddler splayed his tiny hands across the table as he reached for the crayons.
文法句型
splay + object + adverb (out, wide)
splay + object + against/across/on + surface
用法筆記
Object is usually a body part (fingers, legs, paws, hands, toes). Frequently appears as a past participle ('splayed') used like an adjective before a noun.
常見錯誤
splay — noun
1. the angled wall surface that lines an opening such as one built for a window or
the angled wall surface that lines an opening such as one built for a window or doorway, designed to make the gap seem wider or to increase sunlight
The carpenter cut a gentle splay on the window frame to let more light in.
cut + a + adjective + splay + on [frame]
Kwame sat in the deep splay of the stone window, reading in the afternoon sun.
the + adjective + splay + of + [door/window]
The door splay was painted white to match the rest of the room's trim.
A wide splay around the kitchen window created extra space for potted plants.
The architect explained that a wider splay would make the small room feel brighter.
- bevel
a sloping edge or surface, more general than splay
- angled reveal
the full architectural term for the angled sides of a window opening
文法句型
the splay of + [door/window/frame]
a + adjective + splay
用法筆記
A technical term used mainly in architecture, carpentry, and construction contexts. Often appears with 'of' to specify which opening is being described.
2. a shape or position in which something spreads outward from a central point, lik
a shape or position in which something spreads outward from a central point, like fingers separating or roots branching away from a trunk
The splay of roots at the old oak's base covered half the garden path.
the splay of + [roots/branches]
Camille watched the splay of her fingers against the sunlight as she raised her hand.
The gymnast finished her routine with a perfect splay of her arms and legs.
From the plane we saw the splay of city lights stretching across the valley below.
- narrowing
becoming thinner or more restricted in width
文法句型
a/the splay of + [spreading things]
splay — adjective
- splaypositive
- splayercomparative
- splayestsuperlative
1. describes a body part, especially a foot or hand, that points away from the body
describes a body part, especially a foot or hand, that points away from the body's centre line instead of facing straight ahead
The doctor said the baby's splay feet would straighten as she learned to walk.
splay + [body part] — attributive adjective
His splay elbows stuck out awkwardly as he tried to fit through the narrow doorway.
The yoga teacher gently corrected Lakshmi's splay fingers, turning them closer together.
Years of ballet training gave her a natural splay stance with toes pointing outward.
The physiotherapist said Tomás's splay foot needed daily stretching exercises.
- everted
the exact medical term; too formal for everyday use
- turned out
describes the same position with more common words
- pigeon-toed
describes feet that point inward instead of outward
文法句型
splay + noun (body part)
用法筆記
Usually appears directly before a noun describing a body part (attributive position). Also commonly used in medical and anatomical descriptions.
常見錯誤
2. moving or positioned in a stiff, awkward way that lacks grace and looks uncontro
moving or positioned in a stiff, awkward way that lacks grace and looks uncontrolled
The teenager moved with a splay gait, his long arms swinging at odd angles.
splay + gait / posture / movements
Pim felt embarrassed about his splay posture, so his mother enrolled him in dance classes.
The young calf stood on wobbly legs, its splay movements making the farmer smile.
Her splay handwriting slanted across the page in uneven, tilted letters.
文法句型
splay + [movement/position/gait]
用法筆記
A less common adjective sense. Describes a person's movements, posture, or physical features rather than their character or intentions.