What is the meaning of spreading?

noun

• Process or result of distributing or extending over a wide expanse of space.
  • synonyms: spread
• The opening of a subject to widespread discussion and debate.
  • synonyms: dissemination, airing, public exposure
• Act of extending over a wider scope or expanse of space or time.
  • synonyms: spread

verb

• Distribute or disperse widely.
  • usage: "The invaders spread their language all over the country"
  • synonyms: spread, distribute
• Become distributed or widespread.
  • usage: "the infection spread"; "Optimism spread among the population"
  • synonyms: spread, propagate
• Spread across or over.
  • usage: "A big oil spot spread across the water"
  • synonyms: spread, overspread
• Spread out or open from a closed or folded state.
  • usage: "open the map"; "spread your arms"
  • synonyms: unfold, spread, spread out, open
• Cause to become widely known.
  • usage: "spread information"; "circulate a rumor"; "broadcast the news"
  • synonyms: circulate, circularize, circularise, distribute, disseminate, propagate, broadcast, spread, diffuse, disperse, pass around
• Become widely known and passed on.
  • usage: "the rumor spread"; "the story went around in the office"
  • synonyms: go around, spread, circulate
• Strew or distribute over an area.
  • usage: "He spread fertilizer over the lawn"; "scatter cards across the table"
  • synonyms: spread, scatter, spread out
• Move outward.
  • usage: "The soldiers fanned out"
  • synonyms: diffuse, spread, spread out, fan out
• Cover by spreading something over.
  • usage: "spread the bread with cheese"
  • synonyms: spread
• Distribute over a surface in a layer.
  • usage: "spread cheese on a piece of bread"
  • synonyms: spread