adj.
Pronunciation: ' sp ī -n ē
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: spin · i · er ; -est
Date: 1586
1 : abounding with difficulties, obstacles, or annoyances : THORNY < spiny problems>
2 : covered or armed with spines broadly : bearing spines, prickles, or thorns
3 : slender and pointed like a spine
– spin · i · ness noun