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Spiking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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spiking

[ˈspaɪ.kɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

increasing sharply

Spiking refers to a sudden increase or surge in a particular quantity, often in a rapid and dramatic manner. This term is commonly used in various fields, including finance to describe sudden price increases or in sports to indicate an abrupt rise in performance or activity.

Synonyms

accelerating, increasing, rising, surging.

Examples of usage

  • The stock prices are spiking after the announcement.
  • His energy levels were spiking due to the excitement.
  • The interest in the new product spiked significantly during the launch.
Context #2 | Noun

sudden rise

In the context of a 'spiking,' it denotes an abrupt increase, often used to refer specifically to a peak in measurement or activity. For instance, this may apply to data collection, where one sees sudden bursts of activity or value.

Synonyms

burst, jump, peak, surge.

Examples of usage

  • We noticed a spike in website traffic last week.
  • There was a spiking in disease cases after the holiday.
  • The temperature showed a spiking that alarmed the researchers.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In biology, spiking can refer to the rapid increase in neural impulses, which is vital for how our brains communicate.
  • In climatology, spiking temperatures can indicate extreme weather patterns, showcasing how climate change influences our environment.

Economics

  • Stock market fluctuations often feature spiking trends, where prices suddenly rise or fall, indicating volatility.
  • Sales figures can spike during holidays, showing how consumer behavior changes dramatically in different seasons.

Sports

  • In volleyball, players perform a spiking technique to hit the ball forcefully over the net, aiming to score points.
  • Spiking in cycling refers to a sudden surge in speed when a rider accelerates, often seen in competitive races.

Pop Culture

  • In music festivals, attendance can spike unexpectedly, leading to sold-out events and increased demand for tickets.
  • Social media points often spike during viral trends, reflecting how quickly information can spread across platforms.

Origin of 'spiking'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originates from the word 'spike', which refers to a pointed object used for fastening.
  • The use of the word in the context of sharp increases dates back to the 19th century, often used in agriculture and measurements.

The term 'spike' originally derives from the Old English word 'spic,' which refers to a sharp pointed object. Over time, the meaning expanded metaphorically, becoming associated with things that rise sharply or suddenly, particularly in measurement or value. The verb form, 'spiking,' began to appear in the English language in the 20th century, especially in technical and scientific contexts. In the financial world, 'spiking' gained traction during the late 1980s and early 1990s, describe rapid price increases in stocks or commodities. The term has since been adopted across various domains, including technology, healthcare, and marketing, as a way to denote quick and noticeable increases in metrics, activity, or other measures.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,475, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.