spreading
verb (present participle)UK /ˈspredɪŋ/
US /ˈspredɪŋ/
Making something cover a bigger area or go to more places.
The butter is spreading across the warm toast.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Moving apart and opening out wider.
She is spreading her arms wide to give a big hug.
3. Passing something from one person or place to many others.
The news is spreading quickly through the school.
4. Putting a soft layer of something on a surface.
He is spreading jam on his bread.
5. Reaching or stretching over a large area.
The city is spreading farther into the countryside.