pike

pike · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A large freshwater fish with a long body and sharp teeth, valued as a game fish.

  2. 2.

    A long wooden shaft with a pointed metal head, used as a weapon by infantry.

  3. 3.

    (North American informal) A turnpike or toll road.

  4. 4.

    A body position in diving or gymnastics with legs straight and body bent at the hips.

Forms

plural: pike (fish) / pikes (weapon)

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    come down the pike — to happen or appear
  • •
    pike position — a gymnastic position with body bent at hips

Related words

See also: fish, lance, spear
Synonyms: lance, spear

Etymology

The fish sense comes from Old English pic ("pointed object"), referring to the fish's pointed snout. The weapon sense shares this origin, describing the pointed spear.