Pronunciation: [spˈa͡ɪks] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "spikes" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. The first sound is "s", which is pronounced as /s/. The next sound is "p", which is pronounced as /p/. The third sound is "i", which is pronounced as /aɪ/. The fourth sound is "k", which is pronounced as /k/. The final sound is "s", which is pronounced as /s/. Altogether, the word "spikes" is pronounced as /spaɪks/.
Spikes generally refer to thin, pointed objects that are typically elongated and sharp-ended. They can be found in various forms and materials, serving different purposes based on their design and context of usage.
In the natural world, spikes often refer to sharp, pointed projections that emerge from the bodies of certain plants and animals. For instance, cacti are known for their spikes or spines, which function as a defense mechanism against potential threats, preventing them from being easily accessed or consumed. Similarly, animals like hedgehogs feature numerous spikes on their backs as a form of protection.
In the realm of athletics and recreational activities, spikes can denote specialized athletic footwear with protruding spikes or cleats on the soles. These spikes enhance traction and grip on various surfaces, such as grass or track, providing athletes with improved stability and speed. Different sports such as sprinting, soccer, and track and field events utilize spiked shoes to optimize performance.
Moreover, spikes can also be used metaphorically to describe sudden increases, surges, or sharp fluctuations in various quantities or phenomena. For example, in finance or economics, a sudden spike in stock prices or inflation might refer to a rapid, significant rise over a short period of time. In the world of technology, spikes in website traffic may refer to sudden, substantial increases in the number of visitors or user activity.
Overall, the term spikes encompasses a wide range of objects or occurrences characterized by their pointed, slender shape, often associated with protection, improved performance, or sudden increases.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "spikes" originated from the Old Norse word "spík" or "spik", which meant a large nail or metal point. This term entered Middle English as "spike" in the 14th century, referring to a long, pointed metal fastener. Over time, the word expanded to encompass various types of sharp projections, such as those found on plants or the armor of animals. In the context of sports, "spikes" gained popularity in the early 20th century to describe shoes with protruding metal or plastic projections used for enhanced traction on slippery surfaces, especially in track and field events.
