The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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spike

noun

/spaɪk/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of spike

A slender, pointed object or projection that protrudes from a surface or material.
"The data showed a sudden spike in website traffic after the article went viral."

Detailed meaning of spike

It is characterized by its sharp and often elongated shape, resembling a small, thin, and rigid spike. Spikes can be natural or man-made and can vary in size, length, and purpose. In nature, certain plants, such as cacti or thistles, have spikes as a form of defense against predators, while animals like porcupines possess spikes as a means of protection. Man-made spikes can serve various functions, such as in construction, where metal or wooden spikes are used to fasten or secure materials together. Spikes are also commonly associated with sports, particularly in track and field events like the high jump or pole vault, where athletes aim to clear a bar set at a certain height with the help of a spiked shoe or pole. Furthermore, "spike" can metaphorically refer to a sudden and significant increase in a quantity or a sharp upward trend in data or statistics, such as a spike in sales or a spike in temperature.

Example sentences containing spike

1. The climber used metal spikes to secure themselves to the rock face.
2. The volleyball player executed a powerful spike that landed just inside the opponent's court.
3. The hiker had to carefully navigate through the dense thicket of spikes on the cactus.
4. The runner wore track shoes with sharp spikes to improve traction on the track.
5. The bartender garnished the cocktail with a slice of pineapple and a cherry on a spike.
6. The temperature soared, causing a spike in electricity usage as people turned on their air conditioners.

History and etymology of spike

The noun 'spike' has its origins in Old English, where it was spelled as 'spīc,' referring to a slender, pointed object or projection. This term evolved over time and retained its essential meaning in Modern English. A 'spike' typically denotes a sharp, elongated projection that protrudes from a surface or material. Spikes can be found in various contexts, from the thorns on a plant to the pointed metal projections used for fastening or securing objects. The word 'spike' itself evokes the idea of something piercing or pointed, making it a fitting term to describe such features in both natural and man-made objects.

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Further usage examples of spike

1. The financial market experienced a spike in stock prices after a positive earnings report.
2. The doctor used a spirometer to measure the patient's lung capacity.
3. The thunderstorm brought lightning that struck a tree, leaving behind a charred spike.
4. The medical team observed a spike in patient admissions during flu season.
5. The punk rocker styled their hair with colorful plastic spikes for a bold and edgy look.
6. The menacing spike gleamed in the moonlight, a silent guardian of the fortress.
7. Her shoe caught on a hidden spike, causing her to stumble and fall.
8. The seismic spike on the graph indicated a sudden earthquake tremor.
9. The old fence was adorned with rusty spikes to deter trespassers.
10. He carefully hammered the metal spike into the wooden plank.
11. The artist added a decorative spike to the top of the wrought-iron gate.
12. The cactus's spiky needles provided protection from hungry desert animals.
13. A sudden spike in temperature caught everyone by surprise.
14. The adrenaline rush caused his heart rate to spike dramatically.
15. The mountain climber anchored herself to a rock with a sturdy spike.
16. The antique chest was embellished with ornate brass spikes.
17. A sudden spike in sales signaled a successful product launch.
18. The porcupine's defensive strategy was to raise its spikes.
19. As the storm approached, the barometric pressure began to spike.
20. She noticed a dangerous spike in pollution levels near the factory.
21. The scientist observed a spike in bacterial growth under the microscope.
22. The skateboarder executed a daring trick, grinding along the metal spike.
23. A spike in interest rates had a significant impact on the housing market.
24. The medieval knight's helmet featured an imposing spike on top.
25. The seismic spike on the seismograph indicated a nearby volcano eruption.