Sharp, pointed parts that grow on plants and branches, or painful difficulties and problems.
From Old English 'thorn,' related to Old Norse and Gothic words. Originally described only the physical spikes on plants, but became metaphorical for pain and hardship.
Thorns are one of nature's most important defensive inventions—plants evolved them to protect themselves, and humans have been using thorny plants as barriers for thousands of years, from barbed wire to hedgerows!
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