spray

Everyday

1. Spray is many tiny drops of liquid flying through the air, like sea spray from waves. tree →
2. A spray is a can or bottle that pushes out a liquid in tiny drops, such as hair spray or bug spray. tree →
3. To spray is to send out liquid in tiny drops, or to cover something that way. tree →
4. A spray of flowers is a small bunch of them. tree →

In the lessons

In science, a spray breaks a liquid into droplets so it spreads over a bigger surface. In safety: cleaning sprays, insect sprays and paint sprays can be harmful; never spray them in eyes or near a flame and use them only with an adult. In nature, skunks spray a bad smell to protect themselves. Phrases: spray paint, sunscreen spray, nasal spray, spray bottle.

Examples

• The waves sent salty spray over the rocks. tree →
• Spray some water on the plants. tree →
• Mum used bug spray before the camp. tree →
• A skunk can spray a terrible smell. tree →
• The firefighters sprayed water on the fire. tree →
• Do not spray cleaner near your face. tree →
• I put on sunscreen spray at the beach. tree →
• He gave her a spray of roses. tree →
• Splash! splash! the water leaped upward into spray. tree →

Note

Spray as droplets is often uncountable (sea spray); a spray (the product or bunch) is countable. Spray cans are under pressure: never put them near heat or fire, they can explode.