spike

Noun

• a large stout nail
  • they used spikes to fasten the rails to a railroad tie
    

• any holding device consisting of a rigid, sharp-pointed object
  • the spike pierced the receipts and held them in order
    

• a long, thin sharp-pointed implement (wood or metal)
  • one of the spikes impaled him
    

• a sharp-pointed projection along the top of a fence or wall (or a dinosaur)

• 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
    

• a very high narrow heel on women's shoes

• a sharp rise followed by a sharp decline
  • the seismograph showed a sharp spike in response to the temblor
    

• (botany) an indeterminate inflorescence bearing sessile flowers on an unbranched axis

• fruiting spike of a cereal plant especially corn

• sports equipment consisting of a sharp point on the sole of a shoe worn by athletes
  • spikes provide greater traction
    

• a transient variation in voltage or current

Verb

• manifest a sharp increase
  • the voltage spiked
    

• add alcohol to (beverages)
  • the punch is spiked!
    

• bring forth a spike or spikes
  • my hyacinths and orchids are spiking now
    

• secure with spikes

• pierce with a sharp stake or point
  • impale a shrimp on a skewer
    

• stand in the way of

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  spindle , spike heel , stiletto heel , ear , capitulum , lace , fortify , spike out , transfix , impale , empale