spay
spay
/speɪ/
To surgically remove the ovaries and uterus of a female animal to render her infertile.
Refers exclusively to female surgical sterilization.
The story behind the word. Traces back to Anglo-French 'espayer' (to cut with a sword), derived from Latin 'spatha' (broadsword). The anatomical cutting aspect gave birth to its specialized medical meaning.
Word relationships
- sterilize: 'Sterilize' is the broad general term applicable to both sexes.
- breed: 'Breed' means to reproduce offspring.
Commonly confused with
- neuter: 'Spay' specifically targets female animals, whereas 'neuter' commonly refers to males or acts as a general term.
Word family
- spayed (adjective): Sterilized female animal.
- spaying (noun): The surgical procedure of spaying.
Collocations
- spay and neuter
- spay clinic
- spayed female
Example sentences
- "The veterinarian recommended that owners spay their female dogs before six months of age." Veterinary clinical protocol
Memory hook
SPAY is for SHE (female pets). Surgically sterilize female pets.
When not to use
Do not use for male animals; use 'neuter' or 'castrate' for males.
Fun facts
- Spaying a female pet significantly reduces her risk of mammary tumors and eliminates uterine infections.
Explore more words
neuter, excise, incision, veterinary, single-sex, housebreak
Also appears in
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