spinescent

[ spahy-nes-uhnt ]

adjective

1. Botany.
   1. becoming spinelike.
   2. ending in a spine.
   3. bearing spines.
2. Zoology. somewhat spinelike; coarse, as hair.

spinescent

/ spaɪˈnɛsənt /

adjective

1. having or resembling a spine or spines
2. becoming spiny

Derived Forms

• spiˈnescence, noun

Other Words From

• spi·nescence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of spinescent¹

First recorded in 1785–95, spinescent is from the Late Latin word spīnēscent- (stem of spīnēscēns, present participle of spīnēscere to grow thorny). See spine, -escent

Word History and Origins

Origin of spinescent¹

C18: from Late Latin spīnēscere to become thorny, from Latin spīna a thorn

Example Sentences

Characters of Dipsacus, but the green leaves of the involucre and involucels not rigid nor spinescent.

From Project Gutenberg

Characters of Dipsacus, but the green leaves of the involucre and involucels not rigid nor spinescent.

From Project Gutenberg

Glabrous, somewhat spinescent, 5–10° high; leaves thin, oblong-ovate or ovate-lanceolate, acuminate at both ends, often serrulate; drupe elongated-oblong, usually pointed.—Wet river banks, S. W.

From Project Gutenberg

Spinescent, ending in a spine or rigid point.

From Project Gutenberg

Shrubs or small trees, sometimes spinescent.

From Project Gutenberg