An embankment or barrier built to hold back water and prevent flooding; a wall or ridge of rock formed by volcanic activity.
From Old Norse 'díki' and Dutch 'dijk', the Dutch word being especially famous from the country's extensive dike systems. Related to 'dig' and the idea of a dug-out channel.
The Netherlands is famous for having nearly a quarter of its territory below sea level, requiring one of history's most sophisticated dike systems—Dutch engineers literally pushed back the sea through mathematics and engineering.
Slur against lesbian women, originated mid-20th century; stems from dyke (wearing masculine clothing), feminized into gendered slur.
Use only as hydrology term. In LGBTQ+ contexts, recognize term ownership by community; historically weaponized as derogatory.
["levee","embankment","barrier"]
Lesbian activists have historically reclaimed and recontextualized this slur; usage outside that context perpetuates harm.
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