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Glite Dictionary
🌵 A sharp spine 🐝 A stinger
aculeus

aculeus

9.9
A stiff, sharp point on a plant that keeps animals from eating it
  • noun
  • /əˈkuːliəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : aculeo
  • The cactus is covered in stiff aculei that protect it from herbivores.

Examples

  • Scientists examined the sharp aculeus on the stem of the wild rose.

  • A plant's aculeus can help deter insects and animals from feeding on it.

  • The aculeus can pierce skin.

  • Watch out for the aculeus!

  • A plant's aculeus can help deter insects and animals from feeding on it.

  • Scientists examined the sharp aculeus on the stem of the wild rose.

  • The large aculei on this cactus make it difficult for animals to eat its pads.

Synonyms

process
vsaculeus
  • Specialized
19 9.0

A natural part that sticks out from a bone or plant

is a specific stiff sharp projection rather than any general outgrowth
prickle
vsaculeus
4 3.9

A small sharp point on a plant stem or leaf that can scratch

is a stiffer pointed projection rather than a small spike
pricker
vsaculeus
  • Specialized
1 8.2

A small sharp point on a plant stem or leaf that can hurt if touched

is a firmer pointed projection rather than a mere tiny spike
acantha
vsaculeus
  • Specialized
9.9

A sharp point on an animal or plant that protects it

is mainly a stiff pointed projection found on plants
acicula
vsaculeus
  • Specialized
9.9

A thin needlelike part like a spine found in plants, animals, and crystals

is thicker and stiffer rather than thin and needlelike
aculeated feature
vsaculeus
  • Specialized
9.9

A sharp point or sting on animals and plants used to protect them

is a neutral stiff projection, not necessarily used to sting or attack

Antonyms

bluntness
4.3

A lack of a sharp edge or point that makes cutting hard

How Sharp

spine
40 4.1
aculeus
  • Specialized
9.9
projection
7 4.6

Surface Forms

aculeus singular
aculei plural

Etymology

The word aculeus comes from the Latin acus meaning 'needle' and is related to the English word acute, which means 'sharp'. So an aculeus is a small, stiff, sharp point on a plant, like a little needle that helps protect the plant.