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spiny-stemmed

spiny-stemmed

6.5
A plant with a stem covered in sharp spines or thorns
  • adjective
  • /ˈspaɪni stɛmmd/
translation icon : con tallos espinosos
  • A cactus is a classic example of a spiny-stemmed plant.

Examples

  • The spiny-stemmed rosebush made pruning a careful task.

  • Several spiny-stemmed plants can be found in arid environments, protecting themselves from herbivores.

  • The spiny-stemmed cactus thrives in the desert.

  • Do you know any spiny-stemmed plants?

  • A cactus is a classic example of a spiny-stemmed plant.

  • The spiny-stemmed rosebush made pruning a careful task.

  • Several spiny-stemmed plants can be found in arid environments, protecting themselves from herbivores.

Synonyms

prickly
vsspiny-stemmed
14 3.3

Covered with sharp points like thorns that can hurt to touch

is applied when the stalk is the part that bears the sharp points
thorny
vsspiny-stemmed
6 4.2

Covered with sharp points like those on rose bushes

refers to the plant stalk being covered rather than whole parts
spiny
vsspiny-stemmed
3 3.9

Covered with sharp points or thorns that can hurt you

is used when only the plant stalk is covered by spines
spinous
vsspiny-stemmed
  • Specialized
1 9.0

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

is specific to the plant stalk and not general anatomical parts
spinose
vsspiny-stemmed
  • Specialized
9.9

A thing with sharp pointed parts like thorns

is limited to the plant stalk rather than any surface
spinulose
vsspiny-stemmed
  • Specialized
9.9

Having many small sharp points on the surface like tiny spikes on a plant or insect

applies to stalks with spines of any size rather than only small ones
spined
vsspiny-stemmed
4.1

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

applies to stalks bearing sharp projections rather than bones
quilled
vsspiny-stemmed
6.8

Covered with stiff, sharp spines like a porcupine

is used for stalks with spines rather than animal quill coverings

Surface Forms

spiny-stemmed positive

Morphology

spiny-stemmed = spiny-stem (transparent) = spiny + stem + ed

The meaning is directly derived from 'spiny' + 'stem' with the suffix '-ed' indicating a characteristic.

Etymology

Spiny-stemmed joins spiny ('having spines or sharp points') and stem ('the main stalk of a plant'), so it literally means a plant whose stem is covered with sharp points to protect it from animals.