Pronunciation: [splˈe͡ɪɪŋ] (IPA) 
The word "splaying" is spelled as /spleɪɪŋ/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet. The first sound is "s" which is followed by a long "a" sound represented by the symbol /eɪ/. The next sound is a glottal stop indicated by the symbol /ʔ/ before the final "ing" sound. This word is commonly used to describe the spreading or widening of objects, such as the splaying of a deck of cards or the splaying of a tree's branches.
Splaying is a verb used to describe the action of spreading or expanding something outward in a fan-like shape or position. This term typically refers to the act of splaying limbs, fingers, or other flexible appendages, as well as the act of spreading apart objects or surfaces.
In a literal sense, splaying can describe the movement of limbs or fingers when they are extended or separated widely, creating a fan shape. For example, a dancer may splay their fingers gracefully while performing a routine, or a gymnast may splay their legs while executing a split.
Splaying can also be utilized to describe the opening or spreading apart of inanimate objects or surfaces. For instance, the act of splaying doors, wings, or other structures involves widening their position to create a larger opening or to achieve stability.
Metaphorically, splaying can be used to convey the idea of spreading out or expanding in a figurative sense. This can apply to concepts such as ideas or information being disseminated widely, or the dispersal of a crowd into different directions.
Overall, splaying encompasses the notion of spreading or extending something, whether it is in a physical, metaphorical, or conceptual manner, and is commonly used to depict the act of widening, separating, or expanding in a fan-like fashion.
The word "splaying" originated from the Middle English term "splayen", which is a variation of the Old Norse word "splæja". This Old Norse term meant "to split or tear apart", and it is believed to have roots in the Proto-Germanic word "spleganą". Over time, "splaying" evolved to refer specifically to the act of spreading or expanding something, such as the legs of a person or animal.
