prickly
About 0.88 uses per million words.
Meaning
- adjective Covered with sharp points.
The prickly pear is a cactus; you have to peel it before eating it to remove the spines and the tough skin.
- adjective Easily irritated; thorny.
He has a prickly personality. He doesn't get along with people because he is easily set off.
- adjective Difficult; complicated; hairy or thorny.
It was a prickly situation.
- adverb In a prickly manner.
- noun Something that gives a pricking sensation; a sharp object.
- noun A person who favours formal, structured, organized settings.
Similar words
barbed bristly bristled armed splenetic ill-natured thorny spiny burry barbellate
Often followed by
pear heat pears and ash leaves bushes with as
Word family
pricklier prickliest prickliness pricklinesses
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