Spike vs. Spine — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 6, 2024
A spike is a sharp, pointed device or natural feature, often used for fastening or as a weapon, while a spine refers to the central backbone of vertebrates or a series of sharp, rigid structures on plants and animals for protection.
Difference Between Spike and Spine
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Spikes are typically slender, sharp-pointed objects made of metal, wood, or other materials, used in various contexts such as track running shoes or climbing, offering grip and stability. On the other hand, spines are bony projections found primarily in vertebrates or as part of the defensive anatomy in plants and some animals, like cacti or porcupines.
In sporting equipment, spikes are crucial for enhancing performance by providing traction, such as in sprinting shoes or on ice climbing gear. Spines, however, serve a biological role in animals, supporting body structure or protecting against predators and environmental hazards.
Spikes can be artificially manufactured and are often removable or adjustable, such as those in athletic footwear. Conversely, spines are naturally occurring, either as part of an animal's skeletal system or as modified parts of plants.
The usage of spikes is also prevalent in construction and engineering, where they are employed to join materials or provide support, such as in rail tracks or electrical towers. Spines, in contrast, are adapted for survival strategies, whether in warding off herbivores in the case of plants or aiding in locomotion and flexibility in animals.
While spikes are often temporary and specifically designed for their purpose, spines are a permanent and integral part of an organism's anatomy, evolving over time to enhance survival and functionality.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
A sharp, pointed device or feature.
The backbone of vertebrates or sharp projections on plants/animals.
Material
Metal, wood, plastic, etc.
Bone, modified leaves, etc.
Function
Fastening, climbing, traction.
Support, protection, defense.
Location
Used in sports, construction.
Found in vertebrates, plants, animals.
Adjustability
Often removable or adjustable.
Permanent, integral part of anatomy.
Compare with Definitions
Spike
A sharp, pointed piece of metal or other material.
He drove a spike into the ground to secure the tent.
Spine
The backbone or vertebral column in animals.
The cat curled its spine as it stretched.
Spike
A sharp point added to sports equipment for better grip.
Her new running shoes had spikes for better traction on the track.
Spine
The part of a book’s jacket that encloses the bound edge.
The title along the spine was faded from years of use.
Spike
A type of nail, large and heavy.
The old railroad ties were held down by large iron spikes.
Spine
Anything resembling a vertebral spine in form or function.
The mountain ridge was the spine of the landscape.
Spike
An offensive play in volleyball where the ball is hit sharply downward.
The player scored with a powerful spike over the net.
Spine
A sharp, rigid point on an animal or plant.
The rose bush was covered with thin, sharp spines.
Spike
A sharp increase in magnitude or concentration.
The graph showed a sudden spike in temperature around noon.
Spine
A series of pointed processes from the back of animals, often fishes.
The fish was identified by the distinctive spines on its back.
Spike
A long, thick, sharp-pointed piece of wood or metal.
Spine
A series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the small of the back, enclosing the spinal cord and providing support for the thorax and abdomen; the backbone
A soft voice that sent a shiver down her spine
Spike
A heavy nail.
Spine
The part of a book's jacket or cover that encloses the inner edges of the pages, facing outwards when the book is on a shelf and typically bearing the title and the author's name.
Spike
A sharp-pointed projection along the top of a fence or wall.
Spine
Any hard, pointed defensive projection or structure, such as a prickle of a hedgehog, a spike-like projection on a sea urchin, a sharp ray in a fish's fin, or a spike on the stem of a plant.
Spike
A thin, sharp-pointed vertical rod for impaling papers; a spindle.
Spine
A linear pay scale operated by some large organizations that allows flexibility for local and specific conditions.
Spike
An elongate unbranched inflorescence with sessile flowers.
Spine
A tall mass of viscous lava extruded from a volcano
The Mt Pelee spine was exceptional only for its extreme height—over 300 metres
Spike
A thorn or spine.
Spine
The spinal column of a vertebrate.
Spike
A tuft of hair that is stiffened, as with hair spray or soap, into a point.
Spine
(Zoology) Any of various pointed projections, processes, or appendages of animals.
Spike
(Slang) A hypodermic needle.
Spine
A strong, sharp-pointed outgrowth derived from a leaf or leaf part.
Spike
One of several sharp metal projections set in the sole or in the sole and heel of an athletic shoe for grip.
Spine
Any of various similar sharp structures, such as a thorn.
Spike
Spikes A pair of athletic shoes having such projections.
Spine
The hinged back of a book.
Spike
Spikes A pair of spike heels.
Spine
The crest of a ridge.
Spike
An unbranched antler of a young deer.
Spine
Strength of character; courage or willpower.
Spike
A young mackerel of small size, usually 15 centimeters (6 inches) or less in length.
Spine
A series of bones situated at the back from the head to the pelvis of a human, or from the head to the tail of an animal, enclosing the spinal cord and providing support for the thorax and abdomen.
Spike
A sharp rise followed by a sharp decline in a graph or in the tracing of a scientific instrument.
Spine
(figurative) Courage or assertiveness.
Spike
A sharp momentary increase in voltage or electric current.
Spine
Something resembling a backbone, such as a ridge, or a long, central structure from which other structures radiate.
Spike
A sudden steep increase in prices.
Spine
The narrow, bound edge of a book that encloses the inner edges of the pages, facing outwards when the book is on a shelf and typically bearing the title and the author's and publisher's name.
Spike
(Sports) The act of driving a volleyball at a sharp angle into the opponent's court by jumping near the net and hitting the ball down hard from above.
Spine
A pointed, fairly rigid protuberance or needlelike structure on an animal, shell, or plant.
Spike
(Football) The act of slamming the ball to the ground after succeeding in an important play, as after scoring a touchdown.
Spine
(botany) The heartwood of trees.
Spike
(Football) The act of deliberately throwing the ball to the ground as an incomplete pass in order to stop the game clock.
Spine
(neuroscience) dendritic spine.
Spike
An ear of grain, as of wheat.
Spine
A linear payscale operated by some large organizations that allows flexibility for local and specific conditions.
Spike
(Botany) A usually elongated, unbranched inflorescence with stalkless flowers arranged along an axis.
Spine
(geology) A tall mass of viscous lava extruded from a volcano.
Spike
To secure or provide with a spike.
Spine
The stiffness of an arrow.
Spike
To shape into spikes.
Spine
A sharp appendage to any of a plant; a thorn.
Spike
To impale, pierce, or injure with a spike.
Spine
A rigid and sharp projection upon any part of an animal.
Spike
To injure with spiked shoes, especially when sliding in baseball.
Spine
The backbone, or spinal column, of an animal; - so called from the projecting processes upon the vertebræ.
Spike
To put an end to; terminate
Spike a rumor.
Spine
Anything resembling the spine or backbone; a ridge.
Spike
To add alcoholic liquor to
Spiked the punch with rum.
Spine
The series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord;
The fall broke his back
Spike
To add a poison or other chemical to
A drink spiked with barbiturates.
Spine
Any pointed projection
Spike
To add flavor or spice to
"Miss Jane brought him ... cold spring water spiked with a dash of vinegar and a touch of molasses" (Howard Frank Mosher).
Spine
A sharp-pointed tip on a stem or leaf
Spike
To add excitement or vitality to
Spiked the speech with many jokes.
Spine
A sharp rigid animal process or appendage; as a porcupine quill or a ridge on a bone or a ray of a fish fin
Spike
(Sports) To hit (a volleyball) in a spike.
Spike
(Football) To throw (the ball) to the ground in a spike.
Spike
To render (a muzzleloading gun) useless by driving a spike into the vent.
Spike
To manifest or undergo a sudden increase in (something) followed by a sharp decrease
Spike a high fever.
Spike
To manifest or undergo a sudden increase followed by a sharp decrease
Traffic to the website spiked after the scandal broke.
Spike
A sort of very large nail.
Spike
A piece of pointed metal etc. set with points upward or outward.
The trap was lined with spikes.
Spike
(by extension) Anything resembling such a nail in shape.
Spike
An ear of corn or grain.
Spike
(botany) A kind of inflorescence in which sessile flowers are arranged on an unbranched elongated axis.
Spike
A running shoe with spikes in the sole to provide grip.
Spike
A sharp peak in a graph.
Spike
A surge in power or in the price of a commodity, etc.; any sudden and brief change that would be represented by a sharp peak on a graph.
Spike
The rod-like protrusion from a woman's high-heeled shoe that elevates the heel.
Spike
A long nail for storing papers by skewering them; (by extension) the metaphorical place where rejected newspaper articles are sent.
Spike
(volleyball) An attack from, usually, above the height of the net performed with the intent to send the ball straight to the floor of the opponent or off the hands of the opposing block.
Spike
(zoology) An adolescent male deer.
Spike
The casual ward of a workhouse.
Spike
Spike lavender.
Oil of spike
Spike
Synonym of endpin.
Spike
(theater) A mark indicating where a prop or other item should be placed on stage.
Spike
A small project that uses the simplest possible program to explore potential solutions.
Spike
To fasten with spikes, or long, large nails.
To spike down planks
Spike
To set or furnish with spikes.
Spike
To embed nails into (a tree) so that any attempt to cut it down will damage equipment or injure people.
Spike
To fix on a spike.
Spike
To discard; to decide not to publish or make public.
Spike
To increase sharply.
Traffic accidents spiked in December when there was ice on the roads.
Spike
To covertly put alcohol or another intoxicating substance into a drink.
She spiked my lemonade with vodka!
Spike
To add a small amount of one substance to another.
The water sample to be tested has been spiked with arsenic, antimony, mercury, and lead in quantities commonly found in industrial effluents.
Spike
(volleyball) To attack from, usually, above the height of the net with the intent to send the ball straight to the floor of the opponent or off the hands of the opposing block.
Spike
(military) To render (a gun) unusable by driving a metal spike into its touch hole.
Spike
To slam the football to the ground, usually in celebration of scoring a touchdown, or to stop expiring time on the game clock after snapping the ball as to save time for the losing team to attempt to score the tying or winning points.
To spike the football
Spike
(slang) To inject a drug with a syringe.
Spike
A sort of very large nail; also, a piece of pointed iron set with points upward or outward.
Spike
Anything resembling such a nail in shape.
He wears on his head the corona radiata . . . ; the spikes that shoot out represent the rays of the sun.
Spike
An ear of corn or grain.
Spike
A kind of flower cluster in which sessile flowers are arranged on an unbranched elongated axis.
Spike
Spike lavender. See Lavender.
Spike
To fasten with spikes, or long, large nails; as, to spike down planks.
Spike
To set or furnish with spikes.
Spike
To fix on a spike.
Spike
To stop the vent of (a gun or cannon) by driving a spike nail, or the like into it.
Spike
A transient variation in voltage or current
Spike
Sports equipment consisting of a sharp point on the sole of a shoe worn by athletes;
Spikes provide greater traction
Spike
Fruiting spike of a cereal plant especially corn
Spike
(botany) an indeterminate inflorescence bearing sessile flowers on an unbranched axis
Spike
A sharp rise followed by a sharp decline;
The seismograph showed a sharp spike in response to the temblor
Spike
A sharp-pointed projection along the top of a fence or wall
Spike
A long sharp-pointed implement (wood or metal)
Spike
Any holding device consisting of a long sharp-pointed object
Spike
A long metal nail
Spike
Stand in the way of
Spike
Pierce with a sharp stake or point;
Impale a shrimp on a skewer
Spike
Secure with spikes
Spike
Bring forth a spike or spikes;
My hyacinths and orchids are spiking now
Spike
Add alcohol beverages
Spike
Manifest a sharp increase;
The voltage spiked
Common Curiosities
Can spikes be found in nature?
Naturally occurring spikes are less common but can be seen in certain animal defenses or plant structures.
What are the environmental roles of spines on plants?
Spines on plants deter herbivores and protect the plant from being eaten.
What materials are spikes made from?
Spikes can be made from various materials, including metal, wood, and plastic, depending on their use.
What is a spike?
A spike is a sharp, pointed piece of material, often used for fastening or to provide traction.
Is there a cultural significance to spikes or spines?
In some cultures, both spikes and spines can symbolize protection and strength.
How are spines adapted to different environments?
Spines have evolved in various ways, like those in desert plants for water conservation and protection.
How are spikes and spines different in function?
Spikes are generally for practical applications like fastening or traction, whereas spines serve structural or defensive roles in nature.
Are spines always associated with animals?
No, spines can also be found in plants, where they act as a defense mechanism against herbivores.
What is a spine?
A spine can refer to the backbone of vertebrates or sharp projections on plants and some animals, primarily for protection.
Can spikes be used for decoration?
Yes, spikes are sometimes used decoratively in fashion and architectural designs.
What are the key differences in the adaptation of spikes and spines?
Spikes are often developed or manufactured for specific functional uses, while spines have evolved as natural adaptations for survival and protection.
Why do vertebrates have spines?
The spine supports the body structurally, protects the spinal cord, and allows for flexible movement.
How do animals benefit from having spines?
Animals use spines for protection against predators, as a mating display, or to aid in locomotion.
How does the design of spikes vary in sports equipment?
In sports, spike designs vary widely to enhance performance, depending on the sport and surface conditions.
What are the engineering uses of spikes?
In engineering, spikes are used in constructions like building, railroads, and utility poles for stability and support.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Vantage vs. Vintage
Next Comparison
Lazy vs. ActiveAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
