spinelike
Resembling a thorn
Spinelike describes something resembling a spine—either the vertebral column or a sharp, pointed projection like a thorn or quill.
A cactus has spinelike needles; a fish may have spinelike fins.
The word emphasizes shape or rigidity: The spinelike ridge ran down the creature's back.
Pointed implement for sewing
- quillFeather used for writing
- thornPointed plant projection
- spikeSharp rise or point
- barbBackward-pointing spike
splinter · icicle · tusk · fang · spear · dagger · skewer · harpoon
Protective combat covering
- carapaceProtective dorsal exoskeleton
- shellHard outer covering
- scaleMeasure of relative size
- exoskeletonExternal skeletal structure
quill · barb · defense · shielding · guard · barrier · deterrent · hedgehog
Covered with stiff hairs
- pricklySpiny or irritable
- thornyHaving sharp protrusions
- barbedHaving sharp projections
- scratchyRough and irritating
jagged · serrated · ragged · coarse · rough · nettlesome · thistly · stubbly
Of the backbone
- dorsalOf the back
- skeletalOf or like bones
- ossifiedTurned hard, inflexible
- cartilaginousComposed of flexible connective tissue
segmented · ridged · notochord · backbone · column · protrusion · process · projection
needle
Pointed implement for sewing
barb · splinter · icicle · tusk · fang · spear · dagger · skewer · harpoon · stiletto
armor
Protective combat covering
exoskeleton · quill · barb · defense · shielding · guard · barrier · deterrent · hedgehog · porcupine
bristly
Covered with stiff hairs
scratchy · jagged · serrated · ragged · coarse · rough · nettlesome · thistly · stubbly · ridged
vertebral
Of the backbone
cartilaginous · segmented · ridged · notochord · backbone · column · protrusion · process · projection · extension