— spininess , n.
/spuy"nee/ , adj., spinier, spiniest .
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.
[ 1580-90; SPINE + -Y 1 ]