Pronunciation: [sˈiː dˈa͡ɪk] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "sea dyke" may seem confusing to some, but it makes sense when you look at it phonetically. In IPA, it is spelled /siː/ /daɪk/, with the first syllable pronounced as "see" and the second syllable pronounced as "dike," which refers to a barrier used to prevent flooding. The spelling of "dyke" instead of "dike" is likely due to regional dialects and spelling preferences, but both spellings are accepted.
A sea dyke is a man-made structure constructed along coastal areas to provide protection against flooding and erosion caused by the sea. It is an embankment or barrier that is designed to prevent or redirect the flow of seawater, helping to control the encroachment of the sea onto land.
Sea dykes are typically made of earth, stones, concrete, or a combination of these materials, and are commonly built in areas where coastal plains or low-lying regions are at risk of being submerged or eroded by tidal forces or storm surges. These structures act as a buffer or barrier, helping to absorb the energy of waves and reducing the impact on land behind them.
Sea dykes are often constructed in coastal regions where human habitation, agriculture, or important infrastructure such as roads, railways, or cities are located. They are an important component of coastal management and flood protection strategies, preserving coastal ecosystems, agricultural lands, and inhabited areas from the destructive forces of the sea.
In addition to offering protection against flooding and erosion, sea dykes may also provide opportunities for other activities, such as hiking or cycling paths, recreational areas, or even be integrated into coastal defense systems as part of a larger network of coastal protection structures, such as breakwaters, groynes, or seawalls. It is important to properly maintain and periodically inspect sea dykes to ensure their effectiveness in safeguarding coastal areas.
The word "sea dyke" has its etymology rooted in Old English and Middle English.
The term "sea" comes from the Old English word "sæ" which meant "the sea" or "an expanse of salt water". It evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "saiwiz", which is believed to be derived from the Proto-Indo-European base "*s(e)h₂y-" meaning "to swim" or "flow".
The word "dyke" has a complex etymology. It originated from the Middle English "dich" which meant "ditch" or "trench". This term was borrowed from the Old English word "dīc", which inherited it from the Proto-Germanic word "*dīkaz" meaning "ditch" or "furrow".
