From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
spur
n 1: a verbalization that encourages you to attempt something;
"the ceaseless prodding got on his nerves" [syn: goad,
goading, prod, prodding, urging, spur,
spurring]
2: any sharply pointed projection [syn: spur, spine,
acantha]
3: tubular extension at the base of the corolla in some flowers
4: 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" [syn:
spur, 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: spur, goad]
3: strike with a spur
4: goad with spurs; "the rider spurred his horse"
5: equip with spurs; "spur horses"