spiked

Thân thiện

The hiker carefully avoided the spiked plants along the trail.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a long sharp point: Describes an object that is equipped with or features one or more long, sharp, pointed projections.
   • Treated or mixed with a spike: (Advanced/Chemistry) Refers to a sample to which a known quantity of a substance has been added for analysis or calibration.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (having a sharp point):
  • The ancient fortress was surrounded by a spiked fence to deter invaders.
  • She wore spiked heels to the party.
  • The dinosaur's tail was spiked for defense.

Advanced Usage

• In scientific contexts: The term is used to describe a sample that has been altered by the addition of a specific substance.
  • The laboratory technician analyzed the spiked water sample to test the new detection method.
• In sports: Can describe a forceful, downward hit of a ball, particularly in volleyball.
  • Her spiked shot was impossible for the opposing team to return. (Note: Here, "spiked" is the past tense of the verb "to spike," related to the adjective's core meaning of a sharp, piercing action.)

Variants and Related Words

• Spike (noun): A thin, pointed piece of metal, wood, or another rigid material.
  • The runner's shoes had metal spikes for better traction.
• Spike (verb): To pierce or fasten with a spike; to add a substance to; to rise sharply.
  • He spiked the football after scoring a touchdown.
  • The chemist will spike the solution with a tracer.
• Spiky (adjective): Having many spikes; easily offended or irritated.
  • The hedgehog has a spiky exterior.

Synonyms

• Barbed: Having a sharp point with a backward projection.
• Pointed: Having a sharp tip.
• Studded: Covered with numerous projecting knobs or points.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Phrases

• Spike up: To increase or rise very quickly and sharply.
  • Interest in the product spiked up after the celebrity endorsement.
• To spike a drink: To add alcohol or, illicitly, a drug to a drink without the knowledge of the person who will drink it.
  • It is a serious crime to spike someone's drink.

Related Idioms

• Spike someone's guns: To ruin someone's plans or prevent them from succeeding.
  • By releasing our product early, we completely spiked our competitors' guns.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. having a long sharp point