1. having small spines or spine-like projections
Usage: botanical; zoological

Examples

• The spinulose leaves of the holly bush deterred grazing animals.
• Under the microscope, the spinulose surface of the seed coat was clearly visible.
• The botanist identified the plant by its characteristic spinulose stems.
• Spinulose structures help protect the organism from predators.
• The spinulose texture of the coral provided shelter for small fish.
• Many desert plants have spinulose adaptations to reduce water loss.