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Glite Dictionary
spinulose

spinulose

9.9
Having many small sharp points on the surface like tiny spikes on a plant or insect
  • adjective
  • /ˈspɪnjuˌloʊs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : espinoso
  • Under the microscope, the insect's legs appeared spinulose with many tiny projections.

Examples

  • Many cacti have spinulose surfaces to deter herbivores.

  • Some ferns have spinulose leaves that feel rough to the touch.

  • The cactus has spinulose stems that protect it from animals.

  • The spinulose leaves of the plant are quite unique.

  • The cactus has spinulose stems that protect it from animals.

  • Under the microscope, the insect's legs appeared spinulose with many tiny projections.

  • Some ferns have spinulose leaves that feel rough to the touch.

Synonyms

spiny
vsspinulose
3 3.9

Covered with sharp points or thorns that can hurt you

describes specifically small surface spines rather than general sharp covering
spinous
vsspinulose
  • Specialized
1 9.0

Having sharp pointed parts like thorns that protect a plant or animal

has specifically small surface spines rather than general pointed projections
spinose
vsspinulose
  • Specialized
9.9

A thing with sharp pointed parts like thorns

emphasizes small surface spines rather than unspecified spine size
spiny-leafed
vsspinulose
7.3

Having leaves with sharp points that can hurt you

applies to spines on any surface rather than only on leaves
spined
vsspinulose
4.1

Having sharp, pointed parts like quills or thorns on the body

refers to small surface spines rather than a single backbone or major spine

Antonyms

smooth
256 1.0

A surface that is even and not rough

How Spiny

thorny
6 4.2
spiny
3 3.9
spinulose
  • Specialized
9.9
rough
164 1.0
smooth
1 5.8

Surface Forms

spinulose positive

Morphology

spinulose = spine (semi-transparent) = spin + ul + ose

The suffix '-ulose' indicates a diminutive or small form, but may not be immediately recognizable to all learners.

Etymology

Spinulose comes from the root spin- meaning 'spine' or 'thorn', the same root you see in the everyday word spine, and the ending -ulose which means 'small' or 'full of small things'. So spinulose means 'covered with small spines'.