The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Spread \Spread\ (spr[e^]d), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Spread; p. pr.
   & vb. n. Spreading.] [OE. spreden, AS. spraedan; akin to D.
   spreiden, spreijen, LG. spreden, spreen, spreien, G.
   spreiten, Dan. sprede, Sw. sprida. Cf. Spray water flying
   in drops.]
   1. To extend in length and breadth, or in breadth only; to
      stretch or expand to a broad or broader surface or extent;
      to open; to unfurl; as, to spread a carpet; to spread a
      tent or a sail.
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            He bought a parcel of a field where he had spread
            his tent.                             --Gen. xxxiii.
                                                  19.
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            Here the Rhone
            Hath spread himself a couch.          --Byron.
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   2. To extend so as to cover something; to extend to a great
      or greater extent in every direction; to cause to fill or
      cover a wide or wider space.
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            Rose, as in a dance, the stately trees, and spread
            Their branches hung with copious fruit. --Milton.
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   3. To divulge; to publish, as news or fame; to cause to be
      more extensively known; to disseminate; to make known
      fully; as, to spread a report; -- often accompanied by
      abroad.
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            They, when they were departed, spread abroad his
            fame in all that country.             --Matt. ix.
                                                  31.
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   4. To propagate; to cause to affect great numbers; as, to
      spread a disease.
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   5. To diffuse, as emanations or effluvia; to emit; as,
      odoriferous plants spread their fragrance.
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   6. To strew; to scatter over a surface; as, to spread manure;
      to spread lime on the ground.
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   7. To prepare; to set and furnish with provisions; as, to
      spread a table.
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            Boiled the flesh, and spread the board. --Tennyson.
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   To spread cloth, to unfurl sail. [Obs.] --Evelyn.
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   Syn: To diffuse; propagate; disperse; publish; distribute;
        scatter; circulate; disseminate; dispense.
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WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

spreading
    n 1: process or result of distributing or extending over a wide
         expanse of space [syn: spread, spreading]
    2: the opening of a subject to widespread discussion and debate
       [syn: dissemination, airing, public exposure,
       spreading]
    3: act of extending over a wider scope or expanse of space or
       time [syn: spread, spreading]