spur

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. something that acts as an incentive or makes you want to work harder.

n. a stimulus or incentive that prompts an increase in activity or effort.

“The threat of a failing grade was the spur he needed to start studying.”

“The sudden competition from overseas manufacturers served as a spur for the local company to modernize its production line.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a sharp metal object worn on a rider's boot to encourage a horse to move.

n. a metal device with a sharp point or rowel, attached to a rider's heel for prodding a horse.

“The cowboy's spurs jingled as he walked across the wooden floor.”

“The knight's silver spurs were not merely functional tools but symbols of his rank and chivalric status.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Technical

n. a short road or railway track that branches off from a main line.

n. a short branch line of a railway or a secondary road extending from a major thoroughfare.

“The factory is connected to the main railway by a small spur.”

“The proposed highway project includes a short spur to provide direct access to the regional airport.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical

n. a part of a mountain that sticks out to the side from the main peak.

n. a lateral ridge or mountain projection that extends from a main mountain mass.

“The hikers followed the rocky spur down into the valley.”

“The fortress was strategically positioned on a narrow spur of the mountain, making it nearly impossible to attack from the rear.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Technical

n. a short side branch on a tree, often where fruit grows.

n. a short, thick side shoot from a branch, typically one that bears fruit or flowers.

“Prune the apple tree to encourage more fruit spurs to grow.”

“The orchardist carefully examined the fruit spurs to estimate the potential yield for the upcoming harvest season.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Computing Technical

n. an unwanted signal that interferes with a radio or electronic circuit.

n. a spurious or unwanted signal frequency that interferes with the primary signal in a circuit.

“The engineer noticed a spur on the monitor that was ruining the signal.”

“The design team worked to minimize the power of the spurs generated by the frequency synthesizer to meet regulatory standards.”