Definition

1. Adjective:
   • (Of a female animal) having the ovaries removed: Describes a female animal, typically a pet like a cat or dog, that has undergone a surgical procedure (ovariohysterectomy) to remove its reproductive organs, preventing it from having offspring.

Usage

The word spayed is used almost exclusively to describe domestic female animals that have been surgically sterilized. It is the standard veterinary and common term. - It is the past participle of the verb to spay, but functions as an adjective in this form. - The equivalent procedure for a male animal is neutered or castrated.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • We adopted a spayed cat from the shelter, so we don't have to worry about kittens.
  • All female dogs in this program must be spayed before they are rehomed.
  • The veterinarian confirmed the rabbit was already spayed.

Advanced Usage

• "Spayed and neutered": A common paired phrase used in animal welfare contexts to refer comprehensively to sterilized pets.
  • The clinic's goal is to ensure every pet in the community is spayed and neutered.

Variants and Related Words

• Spay (verb): To remove the ovaries of (a female animal).
  • We plan to spay our puppy when she is six months old.
• Neuter (verb): To remove the reproductive organs of an animal (general term; often specified for males).
• Altered (adjective): A more general, informal synonym for a sterilized pet (can be used for males or females).
  • Is your dog altered?

Synonyms

• Sterilized: Rendered incapable of reproduction (general term).
• Fixed (informal): Having been spayed or neutered.
• Altered (informal): Having been spayed or neutered.

Antonyms

• Intact: Not spayed or neutered; possessing all reproductive organs.
• Entire (primarily UK): Not neutered; intact.

Adjective

1. (of a female animal) having the ovaries removed