Dike

/daɪk/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A long wall or embankment built to prevent flooding from the sea or a river.

The dike held strong against the rising waters during the storm.

An artificial watercourse or channel designed for drainage or irrigation.

Farmers built a dike to divert water to their fields.

A geological term referring to a vertical or near-vertical wall of rock that intrudes into another rock formation.

The dike formed from molten lava pushing through the cracks in the earth.

verb

To construct a dike or similar structure.

The workers dike the area to protect it from flooding.

Middle English 'dike', from Old Norse 'dīkr', meaning 'earthwork' or 'embankment'.

dike system

A series of dikes used to manage water and prevent flooding.

build a dike

To construct barriers for flood protection.

breach the dike

To break through a dike, leading to potential flooding.

levee

An embankment built along a river to prevent flooding.

dam

A barrier across a river to hold back water.

floodgate

A gate that regulates the flow of water in and out of an area.

A derogatory term often referring to a lesbian.

Some people still use the term 'dike' in a negative context.

A term used within some communities to refer to masculine-presenting women.

In her friend group, being called a dike was a term of endearment among lesbians.