Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words

spiny

 - 2 dictionary results

spin⋅y

  [spahy-nee]
Use spiny in a Sentence
–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

Related forms:
spin⋅i⋅ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To spiny
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.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see spiny on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way