spur

Noun

• a railway line connected to a trunk line

• a sharp prod fixed to a rider's heel and used to urge a horse onward
  • cowboys know not to squat with their spurs on
    

• tubular extension at the base of the corolla in some flowers

• any sharply pointed projection

• a verbalization that encourages you to attempt something
  • the ceaseless prodding got on his nerves
    

Verb

• equip with spurs
  • spur horses
    

• goad with spurs
  • the rider spurred his horse
    

• strike with a spur

• give heart or courage to

• incite or stimulate
  • The Academy was formed to spur research
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  branch line , spur track , gad , spine , acantha , goad , goading , prod , prodding , urging , spurring