SPIKE, n. [L. L. spica, and ear of corn. It signifies a shoot or point.] 1. A large uail; always in American applied to a nail or pin of metal. A similar thing made of word is called a peg or pin. In England, it is sometimes used for a sharp point of wood.2. An ear of corn or grain. It is applied to the heads of wheat, rye and barley; and is particularly applicable to the ears of maiz.3. A shoot.4. [L. spica.] In botany, a species of inflorescence, in which sessile flowers are alternate on a common simple peduncle, as in wheat and rye, lavender, &c.SPIKE, n. A smaller species of lavender. SPIKE, v.t. 1. To fasten with spikes or long and large nails; as, to spike down the planks of a floor or bridge.2. To set with spikes. A youth leaping over the spiked pales-was caught by the spikes. [Unusual.]3. To stop the vent with spikes; as, to spike cannon.
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