Spikes: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ‘Ÿ
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spikes

 

[ spaษชks ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

on a shoe

A metal or plastic projection on the sole of a shoe, designed to provide extra traction on slippery surfaces.

Synonyms

cleats, studs.

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Word Description / Examples
spikes

Can sometimes refer to the actual metal or plastic protrusions on the soles of sports shoes. Also used in combination with 'shoes' for specific contexts such as running.

  • She replaced the spikes on her running shoes for the race
cleats

Commonly used in American English for sports shoes with protrusions on the soles, typically used in soccer, football, and baseball to provide better grip on grass or dirt fields.

  • Don't forget to pack your cleats for soccer practice
studs

Often used in British English for the small, rounded protrusions on the soles of soccer or rugby boots.

  • The player checked the studs on his boots before the match

Examples of usage

  • The football player wore shoes with spikes to prevent slipping on the wet field.
  • She added spikes to her running shoes for better grip during the race.
Context #2 | Noun

in hair

A thin, pointed piece of metal or plastic used to hold hair in place.

Synonyms

bobby pin, hairpin.

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Word Description / Examples
spikes

Spikes are long, sharp objects that can pierce or puncture. They are often used in contexts involving danger or sports, such as track and field.

  • The artist used metal spikes as part of the sculpture.
  • Athletes wear shoes with spikes for better grip on the track.
hairpin

A hairpin is a general term for a pin or clip used to secure the hair. It can range from simple designs to decorative pieces and is suitable for various hairstyles and occasions.

  • She added an ornate hairpin to her bun.
  • Hairpins come in many different shapes and sizes.
bobby pin

A bobby pin is a small, flat hairpin used to hold hair in place. It is commonly used in everyday hairstyling, especially for securing small sections of hair.

  • She used a bobby pin to secure her bangs.
  • Bobby pins are essential for creating an elegant updo.

Examples of usage

  • She styled her hair with colorful spikes for the punk rock concert.
  • He secured his ponytail with a spike to keep it from falling out.
Context #3 | Verb

increase suddenly

To increase rapidly and sharply.

Synonyms

shoot up, surge.

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Word Description / Examples
spikes

Use when describing a sudden, sharp increase in something such as prices, temperatures, or levels. This can be both in positive and negative contexts.

  • The electricity demand spikes during hot summer afternoons
  • There was a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases in the city
surge

Use to describe a strong, powerful movement or increase, implying a high degree of intensity. Often used in more formal contexts.

  • There has been a surge in demand for online services
  • The storm caused a surge in river levels
shoot up

Use when describing a rapid and significant increase, often dramatically. It often has a slightly more informal tone.

  • After the news, the company's stock prices shot up
  • Crime rates in the area have shot up in recent months

Examples of usage

  • The interest rates spiked after the announcement of the new policy.
  • Her blood pressure spiked when she heard the shocking news.

Translations

Translations of the word "spikes" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น espinhos

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เคพเค‚เคŸเฅ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Stacheln

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ duri

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัˆะธะฟะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ kolce

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใจใ’

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท รฉpines

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ espinas

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท dikenler

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฐ€์‹œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฃุดูˆุงูƒ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ trny

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ tล•ne

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅˆบ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ trni

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รพyrnar

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ั–ะบะตะฝะตะบั‚ะตั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ”แƒ™แƒšแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tikanlar

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ espinas

Etymology

The word 'spikes' originated from the Old Norse word 'spรญkr', meaning a nail or spike. It was first used in the English language in the 14th century to refer to a pointed piece of metal. Over time, the term expanded to include various meanings related to pointed projections, such as spikes on shoes or in hair. The verb form of 'spike' emerged in the 20th century to describe a sudden increase or rise. Today, 'spikes' is commonly used in sports, fashion, and finance to depict sharp points or sudden surges.

See also: spiked, spiky.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,269, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.