Having many sharp, pointed spines or thorns; covered with prickles or sharp projections.
From 'spine' (from Latin 'spina' meaning 'thorn' or 'backbone') plus the adjective suffix '-y.' The word has been used since Middle English to describe anything covered in sharp points.
Spines evolved independently in dozens of plants and animals—cacti, sea urchins, porcupines—showing how nature invents the same defensive solution over and over again when something needs protecting.
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