Spiny Meaning
/ˈspaɪni/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
adjCovered in spines or thorns.
adjTroublesome; difficult or vexing.
Sentence Examples
I'm allergic to spiny lobster.
I'm allergic to Japanese spiny lobster.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The hedgehog's sharp ____ coat protects it from predators in the wild.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The desert cactus has many ____ needles that protect it from being eaten by thirsty local animals.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree English spine English -y English spiny From spine + -y.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The spiney desarts of scholastic philosophy"
— 1727, William Warburton, Critical and Philosophical Enquiry into the Causes of Miracles:
"And, as in well-growne woods, on trees, cold ſpinie Graſhoppers / Sit chirping, […]"
— [1611?], Homer, “The Third Booke of Homers Iliads”, in Geo[rge] Chapman, transl., The Iliads of Homer Prince of Poets. […], London: […] Nathaniell Butter, →OCLC, page 40:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The hedgehog's sharp ____ coat protects it from predators in the wild.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The desert cactus has many ____ needles that protect it from being eaten by thirsty local animals.