pike

UK: paɪk | US: paɪk

Definition

  1. n. a long, slender spear with a pointed tip, historically used by infantry

  2. n. a large freshwater fish with a long snout and sharp teeth

  3. n. a pointed peak or summit, especially of a mountain

  4. vt. to pierce or kill with a pike

Structure

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Etymology

The word "pike" traces back to Proto-Germanic pīkaz, meaning "sharp point." Its dual meanings—spear and fish—emerged independently:

  • The weapon sense reflects its sharp, piercing design.
  • The fish sense (14th c.) derives from its elongated, pointed snout.
  • The mountain peak usage (18th c.) metaphorically extends the "pointed" imagery.
Examples

  1. Medieval soldiers often carried a pike for defense.

  2. He caught a massive pike while fishing in the lake.

  3. The hikers reached the pike of the mountain at dawn.

  4. The rebellion was brutally suppressed, with many piked by the king’s guards.

  5. Pike Place Market in Seattle is named after the nearby waterway teeming with the fish.