Meaning & Definition of Dike in English

Detailed Definitions

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

  Example Sentence: The town was protected by a massive dike that held back the rising waters.

• Definition: A trench or ditch used for drainage.

  Example Sentence: Farmers often dig dikes to help channel water away from their fields.

• Definition: A structure built to contain the flow of water, often made of earth or rock.

  Example Sentence: The dike was reinforced with concrete to withstand heavy storms.

• Definition: In geology, a tabular body of igneous rock that cuts across older rocks.

  Example Sentence: The geologist studied the dike's formation to understand the volcanic history of the area.

• Definition: A slang term for a lesbian, often used in a derogatory manner.

  Example Sentence: She was often called a dike for her short haircut and flannel shirts.

Etymology

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

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• 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.

Translations

• Spanish: dique

• French: digue

• German: Damm

• Russian: дамба

Related Words

• 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.

Slang Meanings of dike

• Meaning: A derogatory term often referring to a lesbian.

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

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

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