English Reference
verb · adjective

sprayed

v. · adj.
US /ˈspɹeɪd/ UK /spɹˈeɪd/ sprayed

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    v.to have sent liquid out in many tiny drops, often using a container with a pump.

    v.the past tense of 'spray', meaning to have dispersed liquid in a mass of fine droplets through pressure.

    Simple

    The gardener sprayed the roses with water to keep them fresh in the heat.

    In context

    The technician sprayed the circuit board with a specialized cleaning solution to remove the accumulated dust without damaging the delicate components.

    Usage

    Often used with 'with' to indicate the substance being applied.

  2. 02 C2 Proficiency British EnglishDialectArchaic

    adj.describes skin that is dry, sore, or cracked because of cold or wind.

    adj.pertaining to skin that has become chapped or irritated due to exposure to cold temperatures.

    Simple

    His hands were sprayed and red after working outside all day in the snow.

    In context

    The old farmer's face was deeply lined and sprayed from decades of exposure to the harsh winter winds of the moorlands.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is extremely rare and limited to specific British dialects; modern speakers almost exclusively use 'chapped'.

    chappedcrackedsore
    smoothmoisturized
This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated