The word "spicate" is an adjective that describes something that has spikes or is related to spikes. You can think of spikes as sharp points that stick out, much like the points on a cactus or a thorn.
In botany (the study of plants), "spicate" often refers to a type of flower arrangement known as an "inflorescence," where the flowers are arranged in a spike-like form. This means the flowers grow closely along a central stem.
While "spicate" mainly refers to plants and flowers, "spike" can have other meanings, such as: - Spike (verb): To add something (like alcohol) to a drink in order to make it stronger. - Spike (noun): A sudden increase or sharp point in a graph or data.
There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "spicate," but you might hear phrases like: - "On the spike" (meaning something is on the rise or increase, often used in business or economic contexts).
"Spicate" is a specific and descriptive term used primarily in botany to refer to plants or flowers that have a spike-like appearance.