to rise or increase sharply (often fol.It’s a signature structure that protrudes from the surface of the virus, creating the crown-like shape that coronaviruses get their name from. Journalismto refuse (a story) by or as if by placing on a spindle. The spike protein, also known as the S protein, is the largest structural protein in the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19.to add (a chemical, poison, or other substance) to: The cocoa was spiked with cyanide.Militaryto render (a muzzle-loading gun) useless by driving a spike into the touchhole.įrustrate or thwart: to spike a rumor to spike someone's chances for promotion.Sport to slam (the ball) to the ground in the end zone, after scoring a touchdown.Sport to hit (a ball in the air) with a powerful, overarm motion from a position close to the net so as to cause it to travel almost straight down into the court of the opponents.Sportto injure (another player or a competitor) with the spikes of one's shoe, as in baseball.to set or stud with something suggesting spikes.to provide or set with a spike or spikes.Buildingto fasten or secure with a spike or spikes.Sport a hard smash, hit close to the net, almost straight down into the opponent's court.Statisticsa pointed portion of a continuous curve or graph, usually rising above the adjacent portion: a spike in the value of the voltage.Zoologythe unbranched antler of a young deer.Clothing spikes, a pair of shoes having such projections.Clothinga rectangular or naillike metal projection on the heel and sole of a shoe for improving traction, as of a baseball player or a runner.an abrupt increase or rise: a chart showing a spike of unusual activity in the stock market a sudden spike of electrical current.a sharp-pointed piece of metal set with the point outward, as on a weapon.(7.6 to 30.5 cm) long and proportionately thicker than a common nail, for fastening together heavy timbers or railroad track.Ī stiff, sharp-pointed piece or part: to set spikes in the top of a cement wall. Building, Rail Transporta naillike fastener, 3 to 12 in.Spike 1 (spīk), USA pronunciation n., v., spiked, spik to rise or increase sharply: Interest rates have spiked (up).to add alcoholic liquor to (a drink): Someone had spiked the punch with vodka.to prevent or suppress: to spike a rumor before it starts to spread.Hedgehogs have long skinny spikes that keep them from being eaten by predators. Building to fasten or secure with a spike or spikes: to spike the railroad ties. A spike is a sharp point, often made of metal or wood, but not always.a sudden increase or rise: a sharp spike in the unemployment statistics.

Clothingshoes having very high, slender heels that resemble spikes.Clothingshoes having such metal parts on the heel and sole, as for playing baseball.something resembling such a nail, as a piece of metal sticking out of the heel and sole of a shoe for improving gripping power.(7.6 to 30.5 cm) long, for fastening together heavy timbers. Spike 1 /spaɪk/ USA pronunciation n., v., spiked, spik

Spike definition