Definition of spawn

The word "spawn" originated from the Middle English word "spaune," meaning "to generate offspring." The term was specifically applied to fish reproduction, as they release their eggs and sperm into the water. In the 14th century, this word was further developed to include the spare offspring of various animals, giving it its modern-day usage in reference to the production of numerous identical organisms. By the 16th century, the word "spawn" was commonly used in reference to the offspring of both aquatic and land-dwelling specimens, reflecting its versatility as a descriptive term. Over time, the specific context in which "spawn" is used has expanded to include the production of multiple copies of digital content, software, or other intangible objects. The word's original and still present association with the proliferation of living things, however, remains its most enduring and recognizable meaning.