Definition of 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"
  spindle
• 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
  - spike heel - stiletto heel
• 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
  ear capitulum
• 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!"
  lace fortify
• bring forth a spike or spikes
  "my hyacinths and orchids are spiking now"
  - spike out
• secure with spikes
  
• pierce with a sharp stake or point
  "impale a shrimp on a skewer"
  transfix impale empale
• stand in the way of
  

• Scrabble® score of the spike (11)
• Word Chums® score of the spike (13)
• Words With Friends® score of the spike (12)