1. Plural of glochid; small, barbed spines or bristles found on certain plants, especially cacti, that easily detach and irritate skin.
Usage: botanical term; typically used in plural form

Examples

• The prickly pear cactus is covered with glochids that can cause irritation if touched.
• Glochids are tiny, hair-like spines that are difficult to remove from skin.
• Hikers should be careful around cacti with glochids, as they easily penetrate clothing.
• The glochids on this plant are more irritating than the larger spines.
• Even a light brush against the plant can leave glochids embedded in your hand.