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spiny

 - 2 dictionary results

spin⋅y

[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.

Origin:
1580–90; spine + -y 1


spin⋅i⋅ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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spin·y   (spī'nē)   
adj.   spin·i·er, spin·i·est
  1. Bearing or covered with spines, thorns, or similar stiff projections.

  2. Shaped like a spine.

  3. Difficult; troublesome.

spin'i·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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