<p><strong>adjective</strong></p><ul><li>spinier, spinniest.</li><li>abounding in or having spines; thorny, as a plant.</li><li>covered with or having sharp-pointed processes, as an animal.</li><li>in the form of a spine; resembling a spine; spinelike.</li><li>troublesome or difficult to handle; thorny: a spiny problem.</li></ul>