- abounding in or having spines; thorny, as a plant.
- covered with or having sharp-pointed processes, as an animal.
- in the form of a spine; resembling a spine; spinelike.
- troublesome or difficult to handle; thorny: a spiny problem.
- (of animals) having or covered with quills or spines
- (of plants) covered with spines; thorny
- troublesome to handle; puzzling
- shaped like a spine
