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

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.