dike Definition

dike dyke¹dyke²

---

dyke¹
dike
noun

1. A wall or embankment built to prevent flooding.
2. geol.
A vertical or semi-vertical sheet of igneous rock that cuts across the layering or bedding planes in the surrounding rock.
(especially Scots)
3. A wall, eg surrounding a field.
(Austral & NZ)
4. slang
A lavatory.

verb dyked, dyking

1. To protect or drain with a dyke.
intr
2. To make or build a dyke.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon dic ditch.

---

dyke²
dike (offensive) (slang)
noun

1. A lesbian.

Derivative: dykey
adj

Etymology: 20c: now probably used positively by gay women to describe themselves.