Spiny

/ˈspaɪni/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Having spines or sharp projections; thorny.

The spiny cactus stood out against the sandy landscape.

Covered with or like spines; prickly.

The spiny lobster is known for its hard shell and sharp spines.

Difficult or uncomfortable; often used metaphorically to describe a difficult situation.

He was in a spiny situation when he had to choose between his friends.

Middle English spiny, from Old French espinós, derived from Latin spinōsus.

spiny issue

A complex or difficult problem that is hard to deal with.

spiny situation

A predicament that is delicate or fraught with difficulties.

spine

The backbone or a series of vertebrae.

thorn

A sharp, pointed structure on a plant.

Used to describe a complex and confusing situation.

That business deal sounds really spiny.