Spay Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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spay
[speɪ ]
Definition
animal surgery
To spay means to surgically remove the ovaries and uterus of a female animal, typically a cat or dog. This procedure is performed by a veterinarian and is done to prevent the animal from reproducing.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| spay |
Used specifically for female animals when they undergo surgery to remove their reproductive organs to prevent them from having offspring.
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| neuter |
Used for both male and female animals when they undergo surgery to make them incapable of reproduction. Typically used more when referring to male animals.
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| sterilize |
A general term that applies to the process of making an animal incapable of reproduction, whether male or female. It can also be used in non-animal contexts, like medical instruments.
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Examples of usage
- Many animal shelters spay female cats and dogs before adopting them out.
- It is recommended to spay your female pet to prevent overpopulation of unwanted animals.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Animal Welfare
- Spaying and neutering help control pet population, preventing millions of unwanted animals each year.
- Spaying can lead to health benefits for pets, including a lower risk of certain cancers and infections.
- Programs promoting spaying have been shown to improve the lives of both animals and communities by reducing stray populations.
Veterinary Science
- Spaying is a common veterinary procedure that can be performed at various ages, typically after six months.
- The procedure involves removing the ovaries and usually the uterus, which eliminates the animal's heat cycles and reproductive capabilities.
- Anesthesia is used during spaying, and pets usually recover quickly, often returning to normal activities within a few days.
Cultural Perspectives
- In some cultures, spaying is seen as a responsible way to care for pets, promoting health and safety.
- Opposition to spaying often stems from beliefs about animal rights and natural behaviors, leading to ongoing discussions in many communities.
- Animal shelters often emphasize spaying as part of responsible pet ownership to encourage lifelong commitments to pets.
Legislation
- Many states and countries have laws encouraging or requiring spaying and neutering to address animal overpopulation.
- Some jurisdictions may offer financial assistance for low-income pet owners to help them spay their animals.
- Public awareness campaigns have been key in changing public perceptions and encouraging the practice.
Origin of 'spay'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French term 'espayer', which meant to remove or to make unfit for reproduction.
- In English, 'spay' has been used since the 15th century to refer specifically to female animals.
- The prefix 's-' in Latin indicates a sense of removal, linking to the idea of taking away the ability to reproduce.
The word 'spay' originated in the mid-20th century in the United States. It comes from the Old French word 'espeer', which means 'to cut with a sharp instrument'. The practice of spaying animals became more common as a way to control the population of stray animals and prevent overbreeding.
See also: nonpayer, nonpayment, pay, payable, payback, payee, payer, paymaster, payment, payments, payoff, payor, paywise, repay, repayment.