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Spiny: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŒต
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spiny

 

[ หˆspaษชni ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

physical description

The term 'spiny' describes something that is covered with or has sharp, slender projections, often resembling spines. These projections can serve various functions such as protection and deterrence against herbivores. Spiny structures are commonly observed in certain plants, animals, and marine organisms. The presence of spines often indicates adaptation to a hostile environment. Additionally, the term can be used metaphorically to describe something that is prickly or difficult in nature.

Synonyms

jagged, prickly, thorny

Examples of usage

  • The spiny cactus thrives in the desert.
  • He carefully avoided the spiny branches while hiking.
  • The fish displayed spiny fins to ward off predators.

Translations

Translations of the word "spiny" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น espinhoso

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เคพเคเคŸเฅ‡เคฆเคพเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช dornig

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ berduri

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะพะปัŽั‡ะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ kolczasty

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒˆใ‚ฒใฎใ‚ใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท รฉpineux

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ espinoso

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท dikenli

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฐ€์‹œ๊ฐ€ ์žˆ๋Š”

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุดูˆูƒูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ trnitรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ tล•nistรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅคšๅˆบ็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ bodljikav

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ stunginn

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚าฑัา›ั‚ั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒแƒญแƒแƒ˜แƒแƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tikanlฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ espinoso

Etymology

The word 'spiny' originates from the Middle English term 'spyn', which is derived from 'spine', indicating a structure resembling a thorn or a spine. Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word 'spina', meaning thorn, which was used to describe the sharp projections of various plants and animals. Spiny structures have evolved in many species as a means of protection against herbivores, serving an ecological purpose throughout history. The use of 'spiny' in the English language has persisted since the early medieval period, reflecting the ongoing relevance of these structures in nature. Over time, the term has broadened to include metaphorical uses, where it describes anything that can be considered sharp or problematic.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,469, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.