I. ˈspīkē, -ki adjective
( -er/-est )
Etymology: spike (III) + -y
1. : resembling the spike of a flower
2. : bearing ears
II. adjective
( -er/-est )
Etymology: spike (I) + -y
1. : having a sharp projecting point
spiky thorns
2. : characterized by acerbity ; specifically : rigidly adhering to high church dogma or ritual