Definition

1. Noun:
   • A mechanical device for scattering something in all directions: A "spreader" is a tool or machine designed to distribute material such as seed, fertilizer, sand, or salt evenly over an area.
   • A hand tool for applying a substance: A "spreader" is also a manual tool, like a knife or spatula, used to apply a layer of a soft substance, such as butter or glue, onto a surface.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The farmer used a fertilizer spreader to cover the field evenly.
  • Please pass me the butter spreader for the bread.
  • Road crews use salt spreaders on icy highways.

Advanced Usage

• "Manure spreader": A specific type of agricultural machine for distributing manure.
  • The old manure spreader is in the barn for repairs.
• "Broadcast spreader": A device, often pushed by hand or towed, that scatters material in a wide, fan-shaped pattern.
  • For seeding the lawn, a broadcast spreader is more efficient than doing it by hand.

Variants and Related Words

• Spread (verb): To open, arrange, or distribute over an area.
  • Spread the map on the table.
• Spreading (noun/gerund): The action of extending or distributing something.
  • The spreading of rumors can be harmful.

Synonyms

• Dispenser: A device that releases a substance in controlled amounts.
• Applicator: A tool for applying a substance.
• Distributor: Something that spreads something else over an area.

Related Phrases

• "Spreader bar": A bar used in rigging or lifting to keep ropes or cables apart.
  • The crane operator attached the load to the spreader bar.
• "Spreader graft": A surgical technique in rhinoplasty.
  • The surgeon used a spreader graft to improve the patient's nasal airflow.

Noun

1. a mechanical device for scattering something (seed or fertilizer or sand etc.) in all directions
2. a hand tool for spreading something
   • he used his knife as a spreader