spur (n.)

  1. a verbalization that encourages you to attempt something; the ceaseless prodding got on his nerves

    [ Syn: goad , goading , prod , prodding , urging , spurring ]

  2. any sharply pointed projection

    [ Syn: spine , acantha ]

  3. tubular extension at the base of the corolla in some flowers

  4. a sharp prod fixed to a riders heel and used to urge a horse onward; cowboys know not to squat with their spurs on

    [ Syn: gad ]

  5. a railway line connected to a trunk line

    [ Syn: branch line , spur track ]

    spur (v.)

  1. incite or stimulate; The Academy was formed to spur research'

  2. give heart or courage to

    [ Syn: goad ]

  3. strike with a spur

  4. goad with spurs; the rider spurred his horse'

  5. equip with spurs; spur horses'

The dictionary is based on the WordNet Electronic Lexical Database.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2011 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.