a transient variation in voltage or current
"The faulty sensor caused a sudden spike in the circuit's voltage that tripped the safety breaker."
sports equipment consisting of a sharp point on the sole of a shoe worn by athletes
"spikes provide greater traction"
(botany) an indeterminate inflorescence bearing sessile flowers on an unbranched axis
"The plant features a distinctive spike, where small white flowers sit directly along the single, upright stalk without any branches."
a sharp rise followed by a sharp decline
"the seismograph showed a sharp spike in response to the temblor"
a very high narrow heel on women's shoes
"She wore elegant evening gowns paired with towering spike heels to the gala."
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 sharp-pointed projection along the top of a fence or wall (or a dinosaur)
"The security team added metal spikes to the top of the perimeter fence to prevent climbing."
A sort of very large nail.
"The carpenter used a heavy spike to secure the massive beam to the foundation."
In plain English: A spike is something sharp and pointed, often used to pierce surfaces or catch on things.
"The traffic spike caused everyone on the highway to get stuck in bumper-to-bumper congestion."
Usage: As a noun, spike refers to the same type of sharp metal object used as a verb to describe something that has been driven into wood or stone by hammering it in place. This usage is common when discussing construction materials like railroad ties or fence posts where heavy-duty fastening is required.
To fasten with spikes, or long, large nails.
"The carpenter decided to spike the heavy timber beams together before raising them into place."
In plain English: To spike something means to hit it hard with your hand so that it goes flying through the air.
"He decided to spike his coffee with an extra shot of espresso for energy."
A male nickname.
"The team captain, Spike, led his squad to victory in the final match."
The word spike comes from the Middle English term for a sharp point or sprig, which was borrowed directly from Old Norse. This origin traces back to ancient roots meaning "stick" or "sharp point," reflecting its long history as a tool with a pointed end.