spike
88
3.6
- noun
- /spaɪk/
- As the ice melted, we saw the dangerous spikes formed by the broken shards.
- sharp spike
- railway spike
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Watch on YouTubeWe put a big spikes on the ball this time.
- We put a big spikes on the ball this time.
- And the spike spike guards were withdrawn or stashed or transformed.
Examples
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John Carroll, of Virginia, had the honor of driving the first spike of the B&O Railroad.
Academic text (1993) -
And it has some little spikes even way out to the end.
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But some birds put the spikes facing into the nest.
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We're in a cage made of spikes.
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It's a pit with sharp spikes at the bottom, covered to make it look like the ground.
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On the sole of each unit are six carbide spikes that grab onto ice and reduce the possibility of slipping.
Academic text (2000) -
The fence was topped with sharp spikes to keep out unwanted animals.
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The trap was lined with spikes to prevent any animals from escaping.
Synonyms
80
1.0
The sharp end of something like a knife or mountain
17
4.3
A thin pointed part on things like a fork or antler
17
5.4
A sharp pointed part that sticks out from a plant or animal
13
4.1
A sharp, stiff part on a plant or animal that can prick
2
3.9
A small sharp point on a plant stem or leaf that can scratch
2
8.2
A small sharp point on a plant stem or leaf that can hurt if touched
1
6.5
A small sharp point on a plant that can prick you
1
9.6
A small pointed part on a grass or grain stem that holds small flowers
Compounds
- Specialized
1
9.9
A small microphone placed against a wall that picks up sounds on the other side
- Specialized
1
9.9
A small pointed microphone that you press against a wall to hear sounds in the next room
- Specialized
1
6.3
A device that protects electronic equipment from sudden power surges
- Specialized
1
8.2
A small plant like moss that grows close to the ground in damp, shady places
A grass-like wetland plant with thin round stems that spreads along the ground
A small wild orchid with thin reddish brown stems and loose clusters of reddish brown flowers in brushy woods
- Specialized
A water plant with thin leaves kept in aquariums to give oxygen to the water
A small evergreen shrub that grows flat like a mat with stiff stems and small bell-shaped flowers
How Sharp
Surface Forms
Etymology
Spike comes from an old Norse word spík meaning 'pointed stick'. Think of a long sharp nail or heel — that clear image explains why a spike is a long, thin, sharp point.