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.

Etymology

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

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.

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

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.