spiny

/ˈspaɪni/ (bre, ipa) · [spˈaɪni] /ˈspaɪni/ (ame, ipa) · [spˈaɪni] /ˈspī-nē/ (ame, mw)

spiny — adjective

  • spinypositive
  • spiniercomparative
  • spiniestsuperlative

1. having many sharp, stiff, pointed parts that stick out from the surface, like th

1.形容詞B2
釋義

having many sharp, stiff, pointed parts that stick out from the surface, like those on a cactus, hedgehog, or sea urchin

例句

Esteban pricked his finger on a spiny cactus in his grandmother's garden.

collocation: spiny cactus / spiny plant

With a pair of tongs, Noa lifted a spiny sea urchin from the tide pool.

spiny + animal (sea urchin, hedgehog) for defensive body parts

同義詞
  • prickly

    broader meaning; can refer to a prickling sensation or to many small sharp points; 'spiny' is more specific about stiff, visible spines

  • thorny

    specifically about plants with woody thorns (modified stems); 'spiny' includes animals and non-woody plants too

  • bristly

    describes short, stiff hairs or bristles; 'spiny' suggests longer, sharper projections

反義詞
  • smooth

    having an even surface without bumps or projections

  • bald

    completely lacking hair, fur, or surface projections

用法筆記

Commonly describes plants (cacti, thorny bushes) and animals (hedgehogs, sea urchins, porcupines) that have stiff, needle-like defensive structures. For general surface roughness without sharp points, use rough or bumpy instead.

常見錯誤

❌He sat down on the spiny sofa.
✅He sat down on the uncomfortable sofa.
💡'Spiny' means having actual sharp, pointed projections like needles, not simply uncomfortable or rough.
❌The spiny fabric of the wool sweater irritated her neck.
✅The rough fabric of the wool sweater irritated her neck.
💡'Spiny' describes visible spines or stiff points; use 'rough,' 'scratchy,' or 'prickly' for unpleasant textures.