Spanish word

espina

Pronunciation

IPA/esˈpina/

Meaning

  • feminine nounthorn

Example

Me clavé una espina al podar la planta.

I was pricked by a thorn while pruning the plant.

Illustration for espina (thorn)

More examples

¿Puedes sacar una espina con las pinzas?

Can you pull out a thorn with the tweezers?

Core concept

Sharp pointed projection on a plant stem.

Common phrases

  • clavar una espina

    prick with a thorn

  • sacar una espina

    pull out a thorn

  • tener una espina clavada

    have a thorn embedded

Similar words

púa: Short, stiff, needlelike point that pricks or punctures surfaces or skin.
astilla: Small sharp fragment of wood created by a break that can embed in skin and irritate it.
aguijón: Stinging organ on an insect that pierces skin and produces a sudden, intense pain.

Definition in Spanish

Objeto puntiagudo, especialmente el de las plantas; también huesecillo fino de los peces y, en sentido figurado, una molestia o recuerdo que incomoda.

Word origin

From Latin spīna 'thorn' or 'spine', Spanish espina denotes a plant thorn and by extension a small fish bone and a figurative annoyance.

Usage tips

  • Espina de pescado refers to a fish bone, and tener una espina clavada describes a lingering grievance.

Other meanings

  • fish bonenoun

Related words

Word lists with this word