Meaning & use

spinous

adjective·Academic

Last updated

Covered with or resembling spines; having sharp, pointed projections.

See it in a sentence

The spinous processes of the vertebrae can be felt along the length of the spine.

The spinous leaves of the plant made it uncomfortable to handle.

A note on using this word

In anatomy, 'spinous' most commonly describes the bony projections on the back of each vertebra that can be felt beneath the skin.

Words with a similar meaning

spinythorny

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Words with an opposite meaning

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