spur (spɜː
)
Definitions
noun
- a pointed device or sharp spiked wheel fixed to the heel of a rider's boot to enable him to urge his horse on
- anything serving to urge or encourage ⇒
the increase in salary was a spur to their production
- a sharp horny projection from the leg just above the claws in male birds, such as the domestic cock
- a pointed process in any of various animals; calcar
- a tubular extension at the base of the corolla in flowers such as larkspur
- a short or stunted branch of a tree
- a ridge projecting laterally from a mountain or mountain range
- a wooden prop or a masonry reinforcing pier
- another name for groyne
spur track a railway branch line or siding- a short side road leading off a main road ⇒
a motorway spur
- a sharp cutting instrument attached to the leg of a gamecock
- See on the spur of the moment
- See win one's spurs
verb
Word forms: spurs, spurring, spurred
- (tr) to goad or urge with or as if with spurs
- (intr) to go or ride quickly; press on
- (tr) to injure or strike with a spur
- (tr) to provide with a spur or spurs
Word Origin
Old English spura; related to Old Norse spori, Old High German sporoUsage examples
Benedict came up level with where the others stood out on the spur path by the water's edge.
, A Death in Time (1987)The date for commercial sales: 2004. Time enough to prepare for the terminator, and perhaps spur debate on its very existence.
India Today (1998)More action to create an "enabling regulatory environment" could spur immense business growth.
Globe and Mail (2003)Flanagan hopes Brendan Markey's hat-trick against St Pat's will spur on the 23-year-old frontman.
Sun, News of the World (2000)Not knowing the scale of my task, I decided, would simply spur me on.
, THE PAINTER (2003)