spay1

[spey] /speɪ/
verb (used with object), Veterinary Medicine
1.
to remove the ovaries of (an animal).
Origin
1375-1425; late Middle English spayen < Anglo-French espeïer to cut with a sword (Old French espeer), derivative of espee sword; see épée
Related forms
unspayed, adjective
Can be confused
spade, spayed.

spay2

[spey] /speɪ/
noun
1.
a three-year-old male red deer.
Also called spayad
[spey-uh d] /ˈspeɪ əd/ (Show IPA), spayard
[spey-erd] /ˈspeɪ ərd/ (Show IPA).
Origin
1375-1425; late Middle English < ?
Examples from the web for spay
  • If people would spay and neuter their animals then there might not be such a problem.
  • Experts attribute the decline in large part to aggressive spay and neuter programs initiated by shelters and humane societies.
  • He can spay or neuter any of his own dogs as he wishes.
  • They don't neuter or spay and they end up with litters and litters of puppies that no one wants.
  • It increased the number of horses that would be returned to the lands and decided not to spay the mares.
  • Below are some low cost spay and neuter facilities in the area.
British Dictionary definitions for spay

spay

/speɪ/
verb
1.
(transitive) to remove the ovaries, and usually the uterus, from (a female animal)
Word Origin
C15: from Old French espeer to cut with the sword, from espee sword, from Latin spatha
Word Origin and History for spay
v.

early 15c., "stab with a sword, kill," also "remove the ovaries of," from Anglo-French espeier "cut with a sword," from Middle French espeer, from Old French espee "sword" (French épée), from Latin spatha "broad, flat weapon or tool," from Greek spathe "broad blade" (see spade (n.1)).

spay in Medicine

spay (spā)
v. spayed, spay·ing, spays
To surgically remove the ovaries of an animal.