| acacia |
a tree that grows in tropical areas of the world, especially in parts of Africa and Australia. The branches of an acacia spread out very wide and evenly across the top. Sometimes the top of the tree looks almost flat. |
| agitprop |
inflammatory political propaganda spread through literature, theater, music, and art, esp. as used in support of communism. |
| AIDS |
a disease that stops the body from being able to protect itself from other diseases. AIDS is spread through body fluids. |
| apostle |
(sometimes cap.) one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ who were sent forth to spread his teachings. [1/3 definitions] |
| apple butter |
a thick, sweet spread made from apples stewed in spices. |
| Asian flu |
a virulent strain of the influenza virus that probably spread from Asia; Asian influenza. |
| asperse |
to spread false accusations or malicious insinuations against; slander. |
| bespread |
to spread over or cover (usu. fol. by "with"). |
| break out |
of a disease, to begin to infect people and spread. [1/5 definitions] |
| broadcast |
to spread over a large area. [1/4 definitions] |
| brush fire |
a sudden outbreak of some threatening activity, as in a military situation, that is likely to spread if it is not controlled. [1/2 definitions] |
| bubonic plague |
an epidemic disease caused by bacteria transmitted from rats to humans by fleas, spread by contagion and characterized by chills, fever, swollen glands, and weakness. |
| butter |
a food like butter in texture and used as a spread. [1/3 definitions] |
| butterfly |
in cooking, having been cut and spread out so as to look like a butterfly. [2/5 definitions] |
| butter knife |
a small knife with a dull edge, used to cut, serve, or spread butter. |
| canapé |
a cracker or small piece of bread or toast spread with cheese, meat, or other appealing food and served as an appetizer. |
| cancer |
any of various diseases characterized by malignant tumors or other tissue degeneration that can spread locally or through the lymph or blood systems. [1/5 definitions] |
| canopy |
something high in the air or sky that is spread out over the earth. The top layer of branches and leaves in a rainforest, for example, is called a canopy. [1/2 definitions] |
| chigger |
the tiny larva of a mite that lives in the skin of animals and causes great itching. It is usually not dangerous but can sometimes spread disease. |
| circulate |
to cause to move around; spread widely; distribute. [1/4 definitions] |
| circumfuse |
to spread (something such as a fluid) around a wide area. [1/2 definitions] |