Spur (Noun)
Meaning 1
Any sharply pointed projection.
Classification
Nouns denoting two and three dimensional shapes.
Examples
- The spur on the rooster's leg was sharp enough to cause injury.
- A spur of rock jutted out into the sea, creating a hazard for passing ships.
- The cowboy's boot had a metal spur attached to the heel.
- The spur on the bicycle pedal dug into the rider's leg as they pedaled.
- A spur of bone in her ankle caused her constant pain.
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Meaning 2
A sharp prod fixed to a rider's heel and used to urge a horse onward; "cowboys know not to squat with their spurs on".
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The cowboy adjusted his spurs before mounting his horse for the rodeo.
- Her grandmother had been a skilled horseback rider and had passed down her antique spurs to her.
- Riders are cautioned not to wear their spurs when dismounting to avoid accidental kicks.
- As a young rancher, he had earned his first pair of spurs by breaking in a wild mustang.
- After the long ride, the cowboy carefully removed his spurs and hung them by the door.
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Meaning 3
Tubular extension at the base of the corolla in some flowers.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The shape of the spur on an orchid can be a key identifier in its classification.
- Flowers like the violet and pansy have a spur at the base of the corolla that serves as a storage space for nectar.
- The spur of certain flowers, such as the snapdragon, guides the pollinator to the fertile parts of the plant.
- In some species of flowers, the spur contains an oil gland that is highly attractive to pollinators.
- The spur of a lady's slipper orchid often has a distinctive shape that aids in attracting pollinators.
Hypernyms
Meaning 4
A verbalization that encourages you to attempt something; "the ceaseless prodding got on his nerves".
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- Her friend's constant encouragement was the spur she needed to finally start her own business.
- The fear of falling behind proved a strong spur for many students to work harder during exam season.
- His family's support was the spur that kept him going through the tough times of his recovery.
- The promise of a big reward was the spur that motivated the detective to solve the complicated case.
- The fear of losing her job was a constant spur that drove her to meet her sales targets every month.
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Meaning 5
A railway line connected to a trunk line.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.