Langimage
English

spawn

|spawn|

B2

/spɔːn/

produce eggs

Etymology
Etymology Information

'spawn' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'espandre,' where 'es-' meant 'out' and 'pandre' meant 'to spread.'

Historical Evolution

'espandre' transformed into the Middle English word 'spawn,' and eventually became the modern English word 'spawn.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to spread out,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to produce or lay eggs.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the eggs of fish, frogs, etc.

The pond was full of frog spawn.

Synonyms

Verb 1

to produce or lay eggs in water.

Salmon spawn in freshwater streams.

Synonyms

Verb 2

to give rise to or generate something.

The new policy spawned a lot of debate.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/02/19 06:21