spike

noun (1)

\ ˈspīk

Definition of spike

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : a very large nail

2a : one of a row of pointed irons placed (as on the top of a wall) to prevent passage

b(1) : one of several metal projections set in the sole and heel of a shoe to improve traction

(2) spikes plural : a pair of shoes having spikes attached to the soles or soles and heels

c : spindle sense 1e

3 : something resembling a spike: such as

a : a young mackerel not over six inches (15.2 centimeters) long

b : an unbranched antler of a young deer

4 spikes plural : spike heel sense 2

5 : the act or an instance of spiking (as in volleyball)

6a : a pointed element in a graph or tracing

b : an unusually high and sharply defined maximum (as of amplitude in a wave train)

7 slang : hypodermic needle

8 : a momentary sharp increase and fall in electric potential also : action potential

9 : an abrupt sharp increase (as in prices or rates)

spike

verb

spiked; spiking

Definition of spike (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : to fasten or furnish with spikes

2a : to disable (a muzzle-loading cannon) temporarily by driving a spike into the vent

b : to suppress or block completely spiked the rumor

3a : to pierce or impale with or on a spike

b : to reject (a story) for publication or broadcast for editorial reasons

4a : to add an alcoholic beverage to (a drink) spiked the punch

b : to add a foreign substance to spike the coffee with tranquilizers

c : to add something highly reactive (such as a radioactive tracer) to

d : to add vitality, zest, or spice to : liven spiked the speech with humor spike the broth with peppers

5 : to drive (something, such as a volleyball) sharply downward with a hard blow also : to throw down sharply spiked the ball in the end zone

6 : to undergo a sudden sharp increase in (temperature or fever) the patient spiked a fever of 103°

: to increase sharply battery sales spiked after the storm