spreading

fe’l verb

1. To stretch out, open out (a material etc.) so that it more fully covers a given area of space. He spread his newspaper on the table.
2. To extend (individual rays, limbs etc.); to stretch out in varying or opposing directions. I spread my arms wide and welcomed him home.
3. To disperse, to scatter or distribute over a given area. I spread the rice grains evenly over the floor.
4. To disseminate; to cause to proliferate, to make (something) widely known or present. The missionaries quickly spread their new message across the country.

ot noun

1. The act by which something is spread.