Sekirov Dictionary

prickly

adjective 3
noun 2
adverb 1
forms 5

adjective3

•
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.
•
(figurative) Easily irritated; thorny.
- He has a prickly personality. He doesn't get along with people because he is easily set off.
•
(figurative) Difficult; complicated; hairy or thorny.
- It was a prickly situation.

noun2

•
(informal) Something that gives a pricking sensation; a sharp object.
- Dad, I need to ride on your shoulders because the pricklies hurt my feet. — 2016
(US) A person who favours formal, structured, organized settings.

adverb1

•
In a prickly manner.
- Striding across stage in his bright white jacket, his voice soaring and cracking – like Charlie Parker’s – he was nervous but prickly eloquent, caustic yet encouraging. — 2016

forms

pricklies · more prickly · pricklier · most prickly · prickliest

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