1. the quality of having sharp points or projections
2. the quality of being irritable or hostile in manner
Usage: informal

Examples

• The spikiness of the cactus made it difficult to handle without gloves.
• The hedgehog’s spikiness is its main defense against predators.
• His spikiness during the meeting made everyone uncomfortable.
• The rose’s spikiness didn’t deter the gardener from pruning it.
• Her sudden spikiness suggested she was having a bad day.
• The spikiness of the sea urchin protects it from most fish.