dike
C2Technical (engineering/geology), informal (slang)
Definition
Meaning
A long wall or embankment built to prevent flooding from the sea or a river.
In geology, a sheet of rock that cuts across existing rock layers; informally, a lesbian who adopts a traditionally masculine appearance and demeanor.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary engineering meaning is internationally recognized. The geological meaning is specialist. The slang term is considered dated and potentially offensive in many contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'dyke' is more common in British English for all meanings. In American English, 'dike' is the standard spelling for the flood barrier and geological feature, while 'dyke' is often used for the slang term.
Connotations
The slang term carries strong sociocultural connotations and is considered a reclaimed term within some LGBTQ+ communities but may be seen as derogatory if used by outsiders.
Frequency
The flood barrier meaning has moderate frequency in relevant contexts (e.g., news about the Netherlands, engineering). The slang term has low frequency in general discourse and is context-specific.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[The engineers] dike [the river] [against flooding][The city] was diked [in the 1950s]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Finger in the dike (a desperate measure to prevent a disaster)”
- “A weak spot in the dike”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in construction, civil engineering, or insurance (e.g., 'The project includes dike reinforcement.')
Academic
Common in geology, geography, and environmental engineering texts.
Everyday
Low frequency. May appear in news about flooding or Dutch geography.
Technical
Standard term in civil engineering and geology.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The authorities plan to dyke the estuary to protect the marshes.
- They have been dyking the land for generations.
American English
- The corps of engineers diked the creek to prevent overflow.
- The farmland was diked in the last century.
adjective
British English
- The dyke system is centuries old.
- Dyke reinforcement works are ongoing.
American English
- The dike maintenance budget has been increased.
- A dike failure could be catastrophic.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The water is on the other side of the dike.
- The old dike protects the village from the river.
- Engineers monitored the dike for signs of erosion after the storm surge.
- The Precambrian dike intrudes diagonally through the surrounding shale, providing a clear cross-section for study.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bike path built on top of a DIKE to keep the sea away.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DIKE is a LINE OF DEFENSE against a hostile force (water).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводить как 'дайк' (искажение). Для плотины/дамбы - 'дамба', 'насыпь', 'запруда'. Геологический 'дайк' - заимствованный термин.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'dike' with 'dam' (a dam holds water back *across* a valley; a dike runs *alongside* water).
- Misspelling as 'dyke' in American technical writing.
- Using the slang term in inappropriate formal contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In a geological context, a 'dike' refers to:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are often used interchangeably, but 'levee' is more common in American English for river flood banks, while 'dike' is often associated with sea defense. Technically, both are embankments.
The primary meanings (flood barrier, geological feature) are not offensive. The slang term for a lesbian can be offensive if used by outsiders and is considered dated. Context is crucial.
A significant portion of the Netherlands is below sea level and reclaimed from the sea using an extensive system of dikes, dams, and pumps, making them essential to the country's existence.
Yes, it means to provide or protect with a dike (e.g., 'to dike a field'). It is less common than the noun form.