cleat
UK: kliːt | US: kliːt
n. a projecting piece of metal or rubber on the sole of a shoe to prevent slipping
n. a wedge-shaped piece of wood or metal used for securing ropes
vt. to furnish or fasten with cleats
The word "cleat" originates from Old English clēat, meaning "a lump or wedge," derived from Proto-Germanic klautaz. The morpheme cle preserves the core idea of a wedge or protrusion, while -at functions as a noun-forming suffix. Over time, the term evolved to specifically describe traction-enhancing projections on footwear and nautical fastening devices, reflecting its functional roots in securing or gripping.
The soccer player's shoes had metal cleats for better grip on the field.
Sailors tied the rope to the cleat on the dock.
She cleated the boards together to build a sturdy platform.
The muddy trail required boots with deep cleats.
The carpenter used a wooden cleat to reinforce the joint.