Pronunciation: [spɹˈe͡ɪ] (IPA) 
Spray is spelled as s-p-r-a-y. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /spreɪ/. It is comprised of the consonant sound /s/, vowel sound /eɪ/ as in "day", and the consonant sound /r/. The word spray refers to a mist of liquid that is dispersed through a nozzle in a fine stream. This word can also be used as a verb, meaning to apply or disperse liquid or particles in a similar manner.
Spray is a verb that refers to the action of scattering or dispersing liquid particles in a fine and misty form. Additionally, it can also serve as a noun that designates the act or instance of such dispersion.
As a verb, spray is commonly used when referring to the action of releasing a liquid under pressure, such as with the use of a nozzle or atomizer device, resulting in a fine mist being ejected from it. This process is often employed for application purposes, such as spraying water for gardening, pesticides for pest control, or paint for artistic purposes. It can also refer to the act of forcefully expelling liquid in fine droplets, like when a whale sprays water from its blowhole.
As a noun, spray represents the fine mist or aerosol of liquid particles that become airborne as a result of being dispersed under pressure. This can include natural phenomena like sea spray, which occurs when seawater is propelled into the air by crashing waves, or artificial sprays like the ones employed in aerosol cans. In these cases, the liquid particles are propelled by compressed gas or air to produce a fine mist that can be used for various purposes, such as cosmetics, cleaning products, or air fresheners.
Overall, spray encompasses both the action of dispersing liquid particles in a misty form and the resulting mist itself, proving to be a versatile term in both its verb and noun forms.
A jet of liquid in fine drops, coarser than a vapor; it is produced by forcing the liquid from the minute opening of an atomizer, mixed with air.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
A small shoot or branch of a tree, or a collection of them; scattered drops of water dashed into the air.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "spray" has its origins in Middle Dutch, Middle Low German, and Middle English. It ultimately comes from the Old Norse word "spreyt" or "spræta" which means "to splash" or "to scatter". In Middle English, it was spelled as "spraien" or "spreien" and referred to the action of spreading or throwing liquid in small droplets. Over time, the spelling evolved to "spray", maintaining its original meaning.
