espinhoso
1. covered with or having spines or spine-like projections
The spiny cactus thrives in desert conditions.
O cacto espinhoso prospera em condições desérticas.
2. difficult, problematic, or full of thorny issues
They faced a spiny situation that required careful negotiation.
Eles enfrentaram uma situação espinhosa que exigia negociação cuidadosa.
3. relating to the spine or backbone
The spiny vertebrae provide structural support.
As vértebras espinhosas fornecem suporte estrutural.
In both American and Brazilian contexts, 'spiny' is commonly used metaphorically to describe difficult social or political situations. The literal meaning is most frequently applied to plants, animals (like sea urchins or porcupines), and anatomical structures. In Brazil, the term 'espinhoso' carries the same figurative weight when discussing complicated matters in business or diplomacy.
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