spiny

• Décrit quelque chose couvert d'épines, de piquants ou de saillies pointues ; peut aussi qualifier une attitude hérissée ou irritée.

Describes something that is covered with spines, thorns, or sharp points.

1. Covered in spinesB2formal

   Having or covered with sharp, pointed projections, such as thorns, quills, or prickles.

   couvert d'épines

   • The spiny cactus is native to the desert.
   • Hedgehogs are small, spiny mammals.
   • The spiny lobster has a tough, protective shell.

   Synonymesbramblybrierybristlyburrypricklyspikyspinousthorny

   Antonymesbaldglabroussmooth

2. Difficult or complexC1formal

   Used figuratively to describe a problem or situation that is complicated and hard to deal with.

   difficile et complexe (au sens figuré)

   • The negotiations became a spiny issue for the committee.
   • He had to navigate a spiny set of legal regulations.
   • The spiny nature of the problem required expert analysis.

   Synonymescomplicateddelicatedifficultknottypricklyproblematicthornyticklishtricky

   Antonymeseasymanageablesimplestraightforwardtractable