spiny

[ spahy-nee ]

adjective

, spin·i·er, spin·i·est.

1. abounding in or having spines; thorny, as a plant.
2. covered with or having sharp-pointed processes, as an animal.
3. in the form of a spine; resembling a spine; spinelike.
4. troublesome or difficult to handle; thorny:

   a spiny problem.

spiny

/ ˈspaɪnɪ /

adjective

1. (of animals) having or covered with quills or spines
2. (of plants) covered with spines; thorny
3. troublesome to handle; puzzling
4. shaped like a spine

Derived Forms

• ˈspininess, noun

Other Words From

• spini·ness noun
• non·spiny adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of spiny¹

First recorded in 1580–90; spine + -y ¹

Example Sentences

“Then make sure to cool it immediately to prevent holdover temperature from overcooking the spiny little beast!”

From Salon

The closing ceremony featured a spiny, glistening figure, the “Golden Voyager,” who arrived from the night sky.

From Los Angeles Times

The deadly wave, which may soon threaten these spiny, slow-moving invertebrates globally, appears to have begun half a world away.

From Science Magazine

Whatever its evolutionary affinities, these spiny arachnids appear to come from a time when arachnids were experimenting with a range of different body plans.

From Science Daily

In 2023, Edward Stanley was conducting routine CT scans of spiny mice and was surprised to find their tails were covered with an internal coat of bony plates, called osteoderms.

From Science Daily