The term 'laid open' can be expressed in three different ways: EXPOSED (7 letters), BARED (5 letters), and BARE (4 letters). EXPOSED means to uncover or reveal something that was previously hidden. BARED is similar to EXPOSED, but it also implies that the thing being revealed is vulnerable. BARE is the most basic form of the term, meaning to make something visible. All three terms refer to the act of making something visible that was previously hidden.