(~s)
1.
Thorns are the sharp points on some plants and trees, for example on a rose bush.
N-COUNT
2.
A ~ or a ~ bush or a ~ tree is a bush or tree which has a lot of ~s on it.
...the shade of a ~ bush.
N-VAR
3.
If you describe someone or something as a ~ in your side or a ~ in your flesh, you mean that they are a continuous problem to you or annoy you.
The Party was a ~ in the flesh of his coalition.
PHRASE: v-link PHR