unspiking

Verb

unspike (third-person singular simple present unspikes, present participle unspiking, simple past and past participle unspiked)

1. To remove a spike from.
   • To unspike a cannon, attempt to drive the spike into the bore with a punch; if this succeeds, and the bore be obstructed, introduce powder into the vent to force the obstacle out.1862, James Gilchrist Benton, A Course of Instruction in Ordnance and Gunnery, page 261
2. To make or become less spiky.
   • He can easily unspike his hair and float the skateboard down the river.2010, Peter Helton, Falling More Slowly
3. To return to a normal level after a very high spike.
   • The applied (or absorbed) microwave power in the plasma does not appear to have a first order affect on the conditions at which the plasma either spikes or unspikes.1993, John L. Power, Preliminary Investigation of High Power Microwave Plasmas, page 7
4. To neutralize the alcohol (or other adulterant) in a food, drink, or other substance.
   • HOW TO UNSPIKE OUR SWEETS Our spiked desserts ( pages 104-105 ) have real punch!1984, Red Book - Volume 163

See all 5 meanings of unspike