spike definition

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
• examples: spikes provide greater traction
3. (botany) an indeterminate inflorescence bearing sessile flowers on an unbranched axis
4. a sharp rise followed by a sharp decline
• examples: the seismograph showed a sharp spike in response to the temblor
5. a very high narrow heel on women's shoes
6. each of the sharp points on the soles of athletic shoes to prevent slipping (or the shoes themselves)
• examples: the second baseman sharpened his spikes before every game
• examples: golfers' spikes damage the putting greens
7. a sharp-pointed projection along the top of a fence or wall (or a dinosaur)
8. a long, thin sharp-pointed implement (wood or metal)
• examples: one of the spikes impaled him
9. any holding device consisting of a rigid, sharp-pointed object
• examples: the spike pierced the receipts and held them in order
10. a large stout nail
• examples: they used spikes to fasten the rails to a railroad tie
11. stand in the way of
12. secure with spikes
13. bring forth a spike or spikes
• examples: my hyacinths and orchids are spiking now
14. add alcohol to (beverages)
• examples: the punch is spiked!
15. manifest a sharp increase
• examples: the voltage spiked