The term "spread" has multiple meanings depending on its context.
1) In a general sense, it can refer to something that is spread out or distributed over an area, such as a liquid being poured into a container and covering its surface evenly.
2) In finance, the word "spread" refers to the difference between the buying and selling price of a security or asset, which represents potential profit for the trader if the market moves in their predicted direction.
3) In sports, particularly basketball, the term "spread" is used to describe an offensive strategy where players move around to create openings and opportunities to score.
4) Lastly, in a culinary context, spread refers to a food that is thick, creamy or smooth, such as jam, honey, butter or cheese, which can be spread onto bread or other foods for added flavor or texture.