spike etymology

Etymology

The word "spike" originates from the Old English word "spica," meaning "a sharp point or prickle." It is related to the Proto-Germanic word "spiko" and the Proto-Indo-European word "speik-," which also mean "sharp point."

Meaning

A spike is:

• A sharp, pointed object, such as:
  • A metal projection on a fence or gate
  • A nail or pin with a sharp point
  • A sharp tooth on a saw or other tool
• A sudden, sharp increase or rise, such as:
  • A spike in temperature
  • A spike in traffic
• A sudden, intense burst of activity, such as:
  • A spike in sales
  • A spike in adrenaline

Origin

The word "spike" has been used in the English language since the 12th century. It was initially used to describe sharp, pointed objects such as nails and thorns. Over time, its meaning expanded to include other things with a sharp point or a sudden, sharp increase.

Examples

• The fence has sharp spikes to deter intruders.
• The temperature spiked to record levels during the heatwave.
• There was a spike in sales after the new product was released.
• A spike in adrenaline caused her heart to race.

spike relate terms

• spiked

  Etymology The word spiked comes from the Old English word spican which means to fu

• spike

  Etymology The word spike originates from the Old English word spica meaning a sharp

• spine

  Etymology The English word spine originates from the Old English word spina which i

• spike

  Etymology The word spike originates from the Old English word spica meaning a sharp

• marlinspike

  Etymology and Meaning Marlinspike A pointed tool used by sailors to work with ropes and

• spick and span

  Etymology Spick of uncertain origin possibly from Dutch spikken to spot or obsolet

• spigot

  Etymology The word spigot has its origins in two possible sources Old French espi

• tack

  Etymology Tack is derived from the Middle English word takke which in turn comes from

• pike

  Etymology Pike is derived from the Middle English word pike which is in turn derived

• hangnail

  Etymology Hang From the Old English word hōn meaning to hang or to suspend Nai

• nail

  Etymology The word nail has multiple etymological origins Germanic nagul or nagl n

• fruit

  Etymology The word fruit is derived from the Latin word fructus meaning the produce

• change

  Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words It traces words