spike meaning and definition

SPIKE noun

Definition of spike (noun)

1. a transient variation in voltage or current
2. sports equipment consisting of a sharp point on the sole of a shoe worn by athletes
   • "spikes provide greater traction"
3. fruiting spike of a cereal plant especially corn
   • synonyms: capitulum, ear
4. (botany) an indeterminate inflorescence bearing sessile flowers on an unbranched axis
5. a sharp rise followed by a sharp decline
   • "the seismograph showed a sharp spike in response to the temblor"
6. a very high narrow heel on women's shoes
   • synonyms: spike heel, stiletto heel
7. each of the sharp points on the soles of athletic shoes to prevent slipping (or the shoes themselves)
   • "the second baseman sharpened his spikes before every game"; "golfers' spikes damage the putting greens"
8. a sharp-pointed projection along the top of a fence or wall (or a dinosaur)
9. a long, thin sharp-pointed implement (wood or metal)
   • "one of the spikes impaled him"
10. any holding device consisting of a rigid, sharp-pointed object
    • "the spike pierced the receipts and held them in order"
    • synonyms: spindle
11. a large stout nail
    • "they used spikes to fasten the rails to a railroad tie"

SPIKE verb

Definition of spike (verb)

1. stand in the way of
2. pierce with a sharp stake or point
   • "impale a shrimp on a skewer"
   • synonyms: empale, impale, transfix
3. secure with spikes
4. bring forth a spike or spikes
   • "my hyacinths and orchids are spiking now"
   • synonyms: spike out
5. add alcohol to (beverages)
   • "the punch is spiked!"
   • synonyms: fortify, lace
6. manifest a sharp increase
   • "the voltage spiked"