sprawl

Noun · Verb
Synonyms: conurbationurban sprawlsprawlingstraggle

WordNet 3.0

Noun (2)

  1. an aggregation or continuous network of urban communitiesSynonyms: conurbationurban sprawl
  2. an ungainly posture with arms and legs spread aboutSynonyms: sprawling

Verb (2)

  1. sit or lie with one's limbs spread out
  2. go, come, or spread in a rambling or irregular way“Branches straggling out quite far”Synonyms: straggle
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

sprawl \sprawl\ (spr[add]l), n. The position or state resulting from sprawling; as, he sat on the couch in a sprawl; uncontrolled urban sprawl. [PJC]
Sprawl \Sprawl\ (spr[add]l), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Sprawled (spr[add]ld); p. pr. & vb. n. Sprawling.] [OE. spraulen; cf. Sw. sprattla to sprawl, dial. Sw. spralla, Dan. spraelle, spraelde, D. spartelen, spertelen, to flounder, to struggle.]

1.To spread and stretch the body or limbs carelessly in a horizontal position; to lie with the limbs stretched out ungracefully. [1913 Webster]

2.To spread irregularly, as vines, plants, or trees; to spread ungracefully, as chirography. [1913 Webster]

3.To move, when lying down, with awkward extension and motions of the limbs; to scramble in creeping. [1913 Webster]

The birds were not fledged; but upon sprawling and struggling to get clear of the flame, down they tumbled.— L'Estrange.[1913 Webster]
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