épineux

French

Etymology

Inherited from Old French espineus, espinus, from Latin spīnōsus. By surface analysis, épine +‎ -eux.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /e.pi.nø/
  • Audio:(file)
  • Rhymes: -ø

Adjective

épineux (feminine épineuse, masculine plural épineux, feminine plural épineuses)

  1. spikey; spiny
  2. (figuratively) spikey; abrasive, nettlesome
    un problème épineux ― (please add an English translation of this usage example)
  3. (figuratively, of a person) deliberately difficult or awkward
  4. spinous, spinal

Derived terms

See also

Noun

épineux m (invariable)

  1. thornbush

Further reading

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