—v.
1 a tr. (also absol.) (of a fish, frog, mollusc, or crustacean) produce (eggs). b intr. be produced as eggs or young.
2 tr. derog. (of people) produce (offspring).
3 tr. produce or generate, esp. in large numbers.
—n.
1 the eggs of fish, frogs, etc.
2 derog. human or other offspring.
3 a white fibrous matter from which fungi are produced; mycelium.
Derivatives:
spawner n.
Etymology: ME f. AF espaundre shed roe, OF espandre EXPAND
Useful english dictionary. 2012.