spinous adjective. ['spʌɪnǝs] LME.
[Latin spinosus, from spina SPINE: see -OUS.]
1. Botany. Having spines or thorns; spiny. Also, of the nature of a spine. LME.

2. fig. Resembling or suggestive of a thorn or thorns in respect of sharpness and aridity; unpleasant and difficult or unprofitable to handle or deal with. M17.

3. Chiefly Zoology. Armed or covered with spines; spinigerous. M18.

4. Having the form of a spine or thorn; slender and sharp-pointed. M18.
spinous process a process or apophysis in the form of a spine, esp. on a vertebra.

■ spinousness noun M19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲