cleat

 
Pronunciation: /kliːt/

noun

  • 1a T-shaped piece of metal or wood on a boat or ship, to which ropes are attached.
  • 2each of a number of projections on the sole of a shoe, designed to prevent the wearer losing their footing.
  • (cleats) North American athletic shoes with cleats on the soles.
  • a projecting wedge on a spar or other part of a ship, to prevent slipping.
  • a small wedge, especially one on a plough or scythe.

Derivatives

cleated

adjective

Origin:

Middle English (in the sense 'wedge'): of West Germanic origin; related to Dutch kloot 'ball, sphere' and German Kloss 'clod, dumpling', also to clot and clout