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spiny

5 dictionary results for: spiny

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This

spin·y

[spahy-nee] Pronunciation Key

–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 + -y¹

]

—Related forms

spin·i·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

spin·y (spī'nē) Pronunciation Key
adj. spin·i·er, spin·i·est

Bearing or covered with spines, thorns, or similar stiff projections.
Shaped like a spine.
Difficult; troublesome.

spin'i·ness n.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This

spiny
adjective
1.	having spines; "the dorsal fin is spinous" [syn: spinous] [ant: spineless]
2.	having or covered with protective barbs or quills or spines or thorns or setae etc.; "a horse with a short bristly mane"; "bristly shrubs"; "burred fruits"; "setaceous whiskers"