abounding in or having spines; thorny, as a plant.

covered with or having sharp-pointed processes, as an animal.

in the form of a spine; resembling a spine; spinelike.

troublesome or difficult to handle; thorny

a spiny problem.

adjective

briery , echinate , prickly , pricky , thistly , nettlesome , hispid , pointed , sharp , spiked , thorny