spay
SPAY
/speɪ/
To remove the ovaries and uterus of a female animal.
This is a gender-specific term for female sterilization.
The story behind the word. The word comes from the Old French 'espeier,' which meant to cut with a sword. This reflects the surgical nature of the procedure, which involves an incision to remove the reproductive organs.
Word relationships
- ovariohysterectomy: The formal medical term for the procedure.
Commonly confused with
- neuter: Spay is specifically for females; neuter is usually for males.
Collocations
- spay surgery
- spay and neuter
- recently spayed
Example sentences
- "It is generally recommended to spay your cat before her first heat cycle." Veterinary advice.
- "The city offered a low-cost program to spay stray female cats." Community program.
Memory hook
Think of a 'S'urgical 'P'rocedure for 'A' 'Y'oung female. Female sterilization.
When not to use
Never use this term for male animals.
Fun facts
- The word 'spade' (the tool) and 'spay' share the same ancient root meaning 'a flat blade'.
Explore more words
neuter, excise, incision, veterinary, single-sex, housebreak
Also appears in
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