1 (esp. in the names of plants and animals) having prickles.
2 (of a person) ready to take offence.
3 tingling.
Phrases and idioms:
prickly heat an itchy inflammation of the skin, causing a tingling sensation and common in hot countries. prickly pear
1 any cactus of the genus Opuntia, native to arid regions of America, bearing barbed bristles and large pear-shaped prickly fruits.
2 its fruit. prickly poppy a tropical poppy-like plant, Argemone mexicana, with prickly leaves and yellow flowers.
Derivatives:
prickliness n.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.