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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Spray Definition, Usage & Key Examples (3 meaning)

Meaning 1：fine mist of liquid (spray)

spray 🔊

/spreɪ/

A liquid pushed out in tiny drops from a bottle or can, or the device that does this, like perfume or paint spray.

Spray definition illustrated: hand spraying plant with mist from a bottle

fine mist of liquid 🔊

➕

/faɪn mɪst ʌv ˈlɪkwɪd/

A liquid substance that is dispersed in a cloud of very small droplets, often from a pressurized container or a specialized nozzle.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Middle Dutch or Middle Low German *sprayen* meaning 'to sprinkle'.

💡 Mnemonic

S-P-R-A-Y: Scattered Particles Released Around You. Picture a sprinkler head spinning and releasing water.

📖 Example

She keeps a small bottle of rose water spray in her bag to freshen up during hot summer days. 🔊 She carries a small container of rose water mist in her purse to feel refreshed on warm summer days.

🔗 Collocations

hair spray – A sticky liquid sprayed on hair to hold a style in place.

spray can – A pressurized container that releases its contents as a spray when a button is pressed.

spray bottle – A bottle with a nozzle that emits a fine spray when squeezed or pumped.

🔄 Synonyms

mist (n.) – A cloud of tiny water droplets suspended in the air, often finer than a spray.

aerosol (n.) – A suspension of fine solid or liquid particles in a gas, often contained in a pressurized can.

spritz (n./v.) – A fine, quick spray of liquid, often used for perfume or cooking.

🚫 Antonyms

stream (n.) – A continuous flow of liquid in a defined, unbroken column.

puddle (n.) – A small pool of liquid, usually standing still on a surface.

🌱 Derivatives

sprayer (n.) – A device or person that sprays something.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'spray' has roots in Germanic languages related to scattering. Its modern application is vast, from agricultural crop dusting to personal care products, reflecting technological advances in creating and controlling fine mists.

Meaning 2：water flung into the air (spray)

spray 🔊

/spreɪ/

The white water that jumps up in tiny drops when waves hit rocks, the shore, or a boat.

Ocean spray meaning: waves crashing on cliffs creating water droplets

water flung into the air 🔊

➕

/ˈwɔːtər flʌŋ ˈɪntu ði eər/

The cloud of small water droplets created when waves forcefully break against a solid object like a rock, cliff, or boat.

📁 Category：Natural Geography 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

Standing close to the waterfall, we could feel the cool spray on our faces. 🔊 When we stood near the waterfall, we felt the refreshing mist of water droplets on our skin.

🔗 Collocations

ocean spray – The saltwater mist created by breaking waves in the sea.

sea spray – Fine droplets of seawater thrown into the air by the wind and waves.

🔄 Synonyms

spindrift (n.) – Spray blown from the crests of waves by the wind, often seen at sea.

spume (n.) – Froth or foam, especially on the sea; often used poetically for sea spray.

🚫 Antonyms

calm (n.) – A state of the sea without large waves or wind, resulting in no spray.

Meaning 3：respiratory droplets (spray)

spray 🔊

/spreɪ/

The tiny drops of liquid that come from your mouth and nose when you sneeze, cough, or talk loudly.

Respiratory spray diagram: person sneezing showing droplet transmission

respiratory droplets 🔊

➕

/rəˈspaɪrətəri ˈdrɒpləts/

The tiny, potentially infectious particles of moisture expelled from the mouth or nose during actions like speaking, coughing, or sneezing.

📁 Category：Diet & Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The doctor explained that the virus can travel through respiratory spray, which is why wearing a mask is important. 🔊 The physician clarified that the virus can be transmitted via droplets from breathing, making mask-wearing crucial.

🔗 Collocations

respiratory spray – The aerosolized droplets produced by the respiratory tract during exhalation, coughing, or sneezing.

🔄 Synonyms

droplets (n.) – Very small drops of a liquid, specifically referring to those expelled from the respiratory system.

aerosol (n.) – In medical context, tiny particles or droplets suspended in air, which can carry pathogens.

🚫 Antonyms

containment (n.) – The action of keeping something harmful under control or within limits, such as preventing the spread of droplets.