ENGLISH
REFERENCE

spur

v. · n.
US //ˈspɝ// UK //spˈɜː// spur
  1. 1 to encourage action (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to encourage someone to do something or to make something happen faster.

    to incite or stimulate a person or process into more vigorous action.

    Example

    The low interest rates helped spur the housing market last year.

    Example

    The government hope that the new tax incentives will spur investment in renewable energy sectors across the country.
  2. 2 a motivation (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The sudden competition from overseas manufacturers served as a spur for the local company to modernize its production line.
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  1. 3 rider's tool (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

  2. 4 branch of a road or railway (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The proposed highway project includes a short spur to provide direct access to the regional airport.
  3. 5 mountain ridge (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

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

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

    Example

    The hikers followed the rocky spur down into the valley.

    Example

    The fortress was strategically positioned on a narrow spur of the mountain, making it nearly impossible to attack from the rear.
  4. 6 botany/plant part (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The orchardist carefully examined the fruit spurs to estimate the potential yield for the upcoming harvest season.
  5. 7 electronics/signal (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Computing

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The design team worked to minimize the power of the spurs generated by the frequency synthesizer to meet regulatory standards.
Idioms1 entry

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