The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word RAYED
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More clues leading to the result RAYED
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "spread outward" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case spread outward = rayed.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does RAYED mean?
RAYED verb- To emit something as if in rays.
- To radiate as if in rays.
- To arrange.
- To dress, array (someone).
- To stain or soil; to defile.