Having sharp, needle-like structures or points; capable of stinging; prickly.
From Latin aculeatus, from aculeus ('needle' or 'sting'). Used in botany and zoology to describe sharp or pointed features.
The word 'aculeate' connects to 'acupuncture'—both come from Latin aculeus (needle)—so when you see a prickly plant, it's literally 'needle-pointed,' same root as the medical technique.
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