spinous

[ spahy-nuhs ]

adjective

1. covered with or having spines; thorny, as a plant.
2. armed with or bearing sharp-pointed processes, as an animal.
3. spinelike.

spinous

/ ˈspaɪnəs /

adjective

1. resembling a spine or thorn

   the spinous process of a bone

2. having spines or spiny projections
3. another word for spinose

Other Words From

• spinous·ness noun
• inter·spinous adjective
• multi·spinous adjective
• post·spinous adjective
• sub·spinous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of spinous¹

1630–40; < Latin spīnōsus; spine, -ous

Example Sentences

Follicles oblong or ovate, often somewhat muricate with soft spinous projections.

From Project Gutenberg

The vertebral column; the spinous process of a vertebra.

From Project Gutenberg

These spinal pains are always aggravated by pressure made on either side of the spinous processes of the vertebr�, and, like the cephalic pains, are more or less mitigated by revulsive applications.

From Project Gutenberg

The spinous processes of the anterior thoracic region are high and compressed.

From Project Gutenberg

In these cases the peduncles may persist and may even be modified into spinous organs of defence.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• prickly
• spiky