Pronunciation: [spˈa͡ɪni] (IPA) 
The word "spiny" is spelled as /ˈspaɪni/. The first syllable "sp" is pronounced with a voiceless consonant sound, just like the "s" in "stop". The "i" in the second syllable represents a short vowel sound, and the "n" is pronounced with the nasal consonant sound. The final "y" represents the consonant sound /j/. Altogether, "spiny" has two syllables with stress on the first syllable, and is pronounced like "SPY-nee".
Spiny is an adjective that describes something characterized by or covered in spines. A spine refers to a sharp, pointed, and often rigid structure that grows out of an organism's body. The term "spiny" can be used to describe both living organisms and inanimate objects.
When used to describe the physical attributes of a living creature, "spiny" typically refers to either the presence of sharp, pointed structures on the body or an entire body covered in spines. For instance, the porcupine is a mammal that is renowned for its spiny nature, with its quills (large, sturdy spines) covering its body as a defensive mechanism. Similarly, certain species of cacti and sea urchins possess thorn-like projections on their surfaces, making them spiny as well.
In a broader sense, "spiny" can also describe non-living objects that have sharp, needle-like projections or features resembling spines. This can include objects like spiny leaves, thorny plants, prickly branches, or even spiny fences or barriers designed to deter trespassers.
Overall, "spiny" is primarily used to indicate the presence of spines, whether they are naturally occurring in living organisms or artificially created in objects. It emphasizes the sharp, pointed, and often prickly nature of the subject being described.
Full of spines: thorny.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "spiny" comes from the Middle English word "spine", which ultimately derives from the Old English word "spīn". This Old English term is related to the Proto-Germanic word "spēnō", meaning "thorn" or "spine". The Proto-Germanic term can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*spei-", which translates to "sharp" or "pointed". Therefore, the word "spiny" is connected to the concept of something being covered in spines or thorns.
