spike
58
3.6
- noun
- /spaɪk/
:
púa
- As the ice melted, we saw the dangerous spikes formed by the broken shards.
- sharp spike
- railway spike
We 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- And the spike spike guards were withdrawn or stashed or transformed.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
-
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.
-
But some birds put the spikes facing into the nest.
-
We're in a cage made of spikes.
-
It's a pit with sharp spikes at the bottom, covered to make it look like the ground.
-
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.
-
The trap was lined with spikes to prevent any animals from escaping.
Synonyms
550
1.0
The sharp end of something like a knife or mountain
40
4.1
A sharp, stiff part on a plant or animal that can prick
19
4.3
A thin pointed part on things like a fork or antler
5
5.4
A sharp pointed part that sticks out from a plant or animal
4
3.9
A small sharp point on a plant stem or leaf that can scratch
1
6.5
A small sharp point on a plant that can prick you
1
8.2
A small sharp point on a plant stem or leaf that can hurt if touched
A small pointed part on a grass or grain stem that holds small flowers
Compounds
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
- Specialized
A device that protects electronic equipment from sudden power surges
- Specialized
A small microphone placed against a wall that picks up sounds on the other side
- Specialized
A small pointed microphone that you press against a wall to hear sounds in the next room
- Specialized
A small plant like moss that grows close to the ground in damp, shady places
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.