spike

(noun) a transient variation in voltage or current.

(noun) sports equipment consisting of a sharp point on the sole of a shoe worn by athletes. Examples: "Spikes provide greater traction."

(noun) fruiting spike of a cereal plant especially corn. Synonyms: ear, capitulum.

(noun) (botany) an indeterminate inflorescence bearing sessile flowers on an unbranched axis.

(noun) a sharp rise followed by a sharp decline. Examples: "The seismograph showed a sharp spike in response to the temblor."

(noun) a very high narrow heel on women's shoes. Synonyms: spike heel, stiletto heel.

(noun) each of the sharp points on the soles of athletic shoes to prevent slipping (or the shoes themselves). Examples: "The second baseman sharpened his spikes before every game." "Golfers' spikes damage the putting greens."

(noun) a sharp-pointed projection along the top of a fence or wall (or a dinosaur).

(noun) a long, thin sharp-pointed implement (wood or metal). Examples: "One of the spikes impaled him."

(noun) any holding device consisting of a rigid, sharp-pointed object. Synonyms: spindle. Examples: "The spike pierced the receipts and held them in order."

(noun) a large stout nail. Examples: "They used spikes to fasten the rails to a railroad tie."

(verb) stand in the way of.

(verb) pierce with a sharp stake or point. Synonyms: transfix, impale, empale. Examples: "Impale a shrimp on a skewer."

(verb) secure with spikes.

(verb) bring forth a spike or spikes. Synonyms: spike out. Examples: "My hyacinths and orchids are spiking now."

(verb) add alcohol to (beverages). Synonyms: lace, fortify. Examples: "The punch is spiked!."

(verb) manifest a sharp increase. Examples: "The voltage spiked."