espinho, picar, formigamento
1. A small sharp pointed part or projection on a plant or animal
The rose has prickles on its stem.
A rosa tem espinhos no caule.
2. A tingling or stinging sensation on the skin
I felt a prickle run down my spine.
Senti um formigamento descer pela minha coluna.
3. To cause a sensation of tingling or slight pain
The wool sweater prickles my skin.
O suéter de lã me causa coceira e formigamento.
4. To experience a tingling or stinging sensation
My leg began to prickle as feeling returned.
Minha perna começou a formigar conforme a sensação voltava.
In Brazil, 'espinho' is widely used in botanical and gardening contexts, while 'formigamento' is common in medical and everyday descriptions of tingling sensations. The word 'prickly' (espinhoso) is frequently used metaphorically to describe difficult or irritable people, reflecting the same cultural understanding as English-speaking countries.
Related Idioms & Phrases
prickles of conscience - feelings of guilt or moral discomfort
feel a prickle - to sense danger or discomfort
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