prickliness en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- /ˈpɹɪklɪnəs/
Etymology
Etymology tree English prickly Proto-Germanic *-inōną Proto-Indo-European *-dyé- Proto-Germanic *-atjaną Proto-Indo-European *-tus Proto-Germanic *-þuz Proto-Germanic *-assuz Proto-Germanic *-inassuz Proto-West Germanic *-nassī Old English -nes Middle English -nesse English -ness English prickliness From prickly + -ness.
Meanings
-
(uncountable, usually) The state or quality of being prickly.
The sharp prickliness of its finnes.
1661, J. Childrey, Brit. Baconica, page 105:A Thistle…assuming a new Form, and without any prickliness.
1725, Bradley, Fam. Dict., volume II, s.v. Presage:Closer inspection disclosed the furious and impossible prickliness of their surface.
1878 August 15th, A. Forbes, Daily News, page 6/2:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| pricklinesses | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Translations (3)
it spinosità (the state or quality of being prickly) · ga drisíneacht (the state or quality of being prickly) · ru колю́честь (the state or quality of being prickly)